Michael Sobell Hospice appeals for witnesses after charity shop break-in

Michael Sobell Hospice has pleaded for witnesses to come forward after the burglary of its Ruislip charity shop during the early hours of Tuesday 16 October.

The entire contents of the safe in the hospice's Ruislip charity shop was taken.

The break-in resulted in the destruction of the front door and the theft of a number of items, including the entire contents of the shop safe. The hospice declined to specify how much cash was taken.

The shop remained closed for two days after the burglary but, on Thursday 18 October, Michael Sobell Hospice sent out a tweet that announced its re-opening: “GOOD NEWS – It might not look pretty, but our #Ruislip #charityshop will be opening as usual today! #hooray #teameffort #nostoppingus #Thursday”

This is the second burglary the hospice has had to deal with this year. In May, its charity shop on Field End Road, Eastcote was broken into. The inside was vandalised and over £600 cash was stolen.

Victoria Mansell, charity volunteer and retail manager at Michael Sobell Hospice, said: “It saddens me to think that someone would steal from a charity which raises money to help care for local people and their families, who need the support of end of life and palliative care services.”

Freeman Tang, the IT, data and communications officer for the Michael Sobell Hospice, said: “I have personally witnessed the damage that has been caused by break-ins at both our Ruislip and Eastcote shops… Luckily, the great people over at The White Bear Pub has generously donated their Tuesday night quiz monies to help pay for a new door at the Ruislip shop.”

The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on their ongoing investigation; however, the hospice has urged anyone with information about this incident to call the charity office in the first instance on 020 3826 2367.