Compton Hospice charity shops boost security after raids
Security measures are being stepped up by a Wolverhampton charity after a string of break-ins that saw thousands of pounds of damage caused and Christmas fair prizes stolen.
Compton Hospice's coffee shop was targeted last week just days after its new shop in Perton was broken into and raided the safe.
Hospice general manager Paul Carter today revealed steel doors were being fitted at some of the charity's shops in a bid to deter burglars.
He said: "We are also blocking up windows in a number of our shops and we have been looking at additional patrols from security companies.
"People are literally breaking through bricks and mortar for the sake of a few pounds. We don't make much money compared to other shops," he added.
Mr Carter also revealed there were CCTV cameras at each of Compton Hospice's 21 shops in the Midlands.
Thieves caused £2,000 of damage when they broke into the new Perton store overnight on Monday last week but they fled empty handed as there was nothing of value at the premises.
Compton Hospice's main site in Compton Road West was also targeted by thieves overnight on Wednesday.
The coffee shop was broken into and 40 bottles of mulled wine, due to be sold at the charity's first Christmas fair on Sunday, were taken. The thieves also took a buffet made for the Perton store's opening.
Fundraiser Simon Cater said despite the break-in the fair was a success.
He said: "We made about £2,500 which we were pleased about. A few people dropped in and donated things like raffle prizes, off the back of our coffee shop being broken into."
