Teesside Hospice’ charity shop and Head Office were broken into with items stolen and windows smashed in a “despicable” act.

Staff arrived at their 410 Linthorpe Road, Teesside Hospice Retail Shop and Head Office on Tuesday, May 21, to smashed windows, criminal damage, and stolen goods.

A Teesside Hospice representative said: “The police are working with us to try as best as we can to bring these people to justice.

“To steal is one thing, but to steal from a local hospice who directly supports Teessiders and their loved ones is despicable.

“Those affected by the goods stolen have been contacted and refunded for their missing parcels, and we are taking every action to develop the security of our warehouse.”

Overnight or during the early hours of the morning of May 20-21, thieves broke into the Teesside Hospice Warehouse and stole stock that was donated by supporters across Teesside.

The stolen goods consisted of packed parcels of items that were donated and sold through Teesside Hospice eBay site which directly supports those living with a terminal illness and their families.

The representative added: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our community for their continued support for the last 42 years.

“Without you, we would not be here to support the 3,000 vulnerable people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Teesside, every year.”

If you’d like to support Teesside Hospice, please visit teessidehospice.org or call 01642 811 140.

Cleveland Police are continuing their enquiries and would ask anyone who may have information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 094432.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.