HEARTLESS burglars have stolen charity boxes containing cash after breaking into two shops in the centre of Wellington.

Winston the Barber in North Street and the Sue Ryder charity shop in Fore Street were broken into during darkness on Wednesday, February 6, and Thursday morning.

The barbers is run by Winston Crandon (pictured), 71, who has worked in the same shop for 29 years.

The raiders took the popular barber’s scissors, clippers, £300 in cash he keeps as a float, about £75 in the Children’s Hospice South West tin and other items.

The burglary has meant some inconvenience for Winston, who opens three days a week. He had to visit his wholesaler in Newton Abbott on Friday to replace the lost equipment and on Monday he was dealing with a loss adjustor.

Winston said: “I locked up at 5pm and came in at 7am on Thursday, and the window was missing. The burglars stood on a pallet to get in. They left a hammer, a screwdriver and a large bladed knife behind.

“I am very annoyed – because of the charity money more than anything else. A lot of my customers missed my Christmas raffle this year and they put notes in to make up for it. It was for the children’s hospice, which I support avidly.” He reckons the whole incident will have cost him about £1,000.

The same burglars are thought to have entered the Sue Ryder premises through the roof. Acting manager Patricia Burgess said they stole a laptop and moved a heavy safe before forcing it open and taking cash. The charity box is only thought to have contained £10.

“They took a lot of things, including sweets and tea bags. They seem to have made themselves at home because it would appear they were here for some time.

“The till was also broken into but there was very little cash in it. We don’t like to leave money in the building overnight."