Foyle Hospice has said the theft of cash during a break-in at one of its charity shops in Derry is “very disheartening”.
The break-in happened during the early hours of Wednesday morning at the Foyle Hospice shop on the Ballinaska Road in Springtown.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Foyle Hospice director Sheila Duffy confirmed that money was taken in the break-in.
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Ms Duffy said: "Our shops are an important source of income that help ensure that we continue to offer our services, for free, to patients and their families.
"We are fortunate, thrilled, that no one was injured but now we have to carry out repairs to our walls and windows. We want to make sure the premise is safe and secure."
She continued: "It hurts us as a community organisation and our staff and volunteers are shaken up.
"We rely on the community to make their donations, and to come in and shop.
"To bring in any money takes a lot of work behind the scenes so this is very disheartening."
She added: "We are waiting the PSNI to carry out their investigation now.
"Quite frankly, the shop is not just a fundraising opportunity but it is also a hub for the community. It is disappointing that money was taken but we have also had to close the shop now."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in Derry/Londonderry are investigating after cash was taken during a burglary at commercial premises in the Springtown area of the city during the early hours of Wednesday, March 29.
"It's reported the burglary on Ballinaska Road occurred sometime between 3.30am and 5am this morning. A window was also smashed.
"Police are keen to hear from anyone with information about this burglary, or was in the area at these times, including drivers with dash cam, and who saw anything out of the ordinary. The number to call is 101, quoting reference 399 of 29/03/23. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org"
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