JEWELLERY and other items were stolen from a charity shop after thieves forced their way in.

The Sue Ryder shop on Wokingham Road was hit on the afternoon of December 2.

A donation tin and items worth hundreds of pounds were taken during the heartless raid.

Jane Bullen, area manager, said: “It is very saddening to think that people would steal from a charity shop at all, but to find that they would go out of their way to break in and steal stock that has been kindly donated is beyond words.

“It is very disappointing that anyone would target a charity shop that raises money to care for dying people and their loved ones who are already going through the most difficult time of their lives.

“This has been the third time we have been targeted in two years and support from the local community has been amazing and we want to thank you all for your kind words.

"If customers could continue to show support by giving donations to the shop, this will help us to recoup some of the money lost through this horrendous incident.

“Many of our staff are from the local community and give up their time for free to help us raise this money. To see that stolen from us is very upsetting for us all.”

This is not the first time the charity has suffered at the hands of thieves.

The branch at Meadway Precinct was targeted back in July, with staff estimating a loss of more than £1,200.

Staff were also left devastated when the shop at The Triangle in Tilehurst was ransacked.

A window on the premises was damaged and £450 in cash was stolen.

Residents are being urged to help the charity recover from this latest crime, by doing what they can to donate items or volunteer in their spare time.

The shop supports the likes of nearby Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent in Reading, which cares for people with living with conditions like cancer, heart failure and lung disease.

Sue Ryder relies predominantly on income from shops, fundraising activities and generous donations from members of the public.

Call Thames Valley Police on 101 if you have any information about the theft.

To support the shop, drop in: 120 Wokingham Rd, Reading RG6 1LH or call: 0118 926 9844, all support is welcome.