Lewis-Manning Hospice Care hit by double break-ins costing £5,000
Poole charity shop suffers significant losses in recent thefts
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s shop in Poole has been the target of two break-ins over the last few weeks.
The incidents have left the charity facing repair costs of around £5,000.
Thieves broke into the shop on 30th August and again on 15th September, causing damage to the shop’s doors and locks, and making off with electronics, donated goods, and cash from a donation box.
The financial strain of these repairs could have funded places for two patients on Lewis-Manning’s 12-week Hospice Health and Wellbeing programme and covered over six weeks of clinical supplies.
Sally Wilsher, the shop manager, expressed her distress over the situation, saying, "It is heartbreaking to see our shop targeted twice in such a short space of time. The purpose of our shop is purely to provide essential funds for the Lewis-Manning charity and ultimately to support the Dorset community."
She added that while the impact is felt throughout the organisation, the community’s support can make a difference: "We would be grateful to hear about any support our community can offer to help us recover."
In response, Lewis-Manning is appealing for public donations and practical assistance to expedite repairs.
The charity also plans to enhance security measures to prevent future incidents.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides services to patients free of charge and relies heavily on fundraising and donations.
Support for the repair appeal can be contributed through Lewis-Manning’s JustGiving page.