A CHARITY boss has condemned mean burglars who broke into its Bradford premises and stole vital cash and equipment.

The raiders struck at the Ark Charity Shop in Heaton, forcing the door lock and ransacking the building before fleeing with £600 from the safe, a laptop computer, digital camera and mobile phone.

They even rifled a donation tin containing coins from the counter.

Shop manager Jessica King said the burglars had left the cash-strapped charity struggling.

She said: "It is obvious we are a charity. There is a big sign above the door saying so. We feel really angry somebody could do that. They are not taking it from us, they are taking it from the community.

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"It is so frustrating when you are a charity working hard to make an impact for the community."

The burglars struck overnight at the shop in Heights Lane. The break-in was discovered by a volunteer on Tuesday morning.

Miss King said: "The door was blowing open and she realised the lock was broken. About £30 of change had been taken from the donation tin and they had broken into the safe and taken £600.

"They also took a mobile phone and digital camera, which we use for charity work, and most importantly a laptop computer which is essential. Everything is on there for our online promotions."

Miss King said the charity served the local communities of Heaton, Manningham and Girlington, helping needy families with cheap clothing and other essentials, and books available at 10p to encourage children to read.

Ark also offers work placement and training for the unemployed and gives out grants for local groups and projects.

Miss King said: "We are very much community-based, working for the community. Everything we get goes back to the community.

"But we are a small charity and this is a big blow to us. We have had to close the shop to get proper replacement security. The takings we will lose from that could, for instance, have taken a Brownie group on a day out.

"I would ask anyone who sees the laptop or digital camera to get in touch. And anyone who knows the people responsible, please ring the police."

PC Ben Lister, of Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The suspects have clearly targeted the charity shop and have made off with an amount of cash that was intended to help the local community.

"We would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that may help the police, to get in touch. Inquiries are ongoing."

They should contact Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.