Sledgehammer raiders get away with... biscuits

The hole-in-the-wall gang ransacked the shop, causing thousands of pounds damage, but escaped with little more than a few items and the snacks.

Manageress Denise Hancock said yesterday that the raiders were the “lowest of the low”.

Mrs Hancock and assistant manageress, Lesley Smith, discovered the break-in when they opened up the British Heart Foundation’s shop in Armley, Leeds, for business.

She said: “We found all the stock thrown about everywhere.

“They have taken some cheap new £1.99 chains, some second-hand DVDs and some new hats and gloves. They even took the biscuits for our helpers’ tea break.

“It’s appalling that a charity shop supported by volunteers and raising money for such important work has had so much damage inflicted for such little gain.”

The raiders struck overnight on Thursday. They shattered steel shutters to gain access to a compound behind the shop then hammered through a brick wall to get into the store, leaving behind damage that could cost up to £2,000 to repair.

West Yorkshire Police are investigating. Any witnesses should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.