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Anger at damage caused during Acorns Hospice shop burglary

Acorns Hospice Charity tin at the shopAcorns Hospice
Money was taken from inside a charity collection tin at the Acorns Hospice shop in Kings Heath

The head of a children's hospice charity said he is "so angry" after thieves caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Tills, computers and doors were damaged during the break-in at the Acorns Children's Hospice shop in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

Toby Porter, the CEO of the charity, said the thieves had only taken about £100.

In a post on social media he said "it is just not acceptable".

Acorns Hospice Damage at the shopAcorns Hospice
Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused in the break-in, Mr Porter said

Mr Porter said there was "almost no cash to take" because everything is banked, but the burglars had caused huge damage to tills, computers and three doors.

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Mr Porter said: "Our shops play a vital role in helping us raise the funds we need to provide our lifeline care and support for children and families across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

"We're already working hard to overcome the challenges Covid-19 has created for our retail network and to be dealt this second blow, so soon after reopening, is so disheartening."

The break-in was discovered by staff at the shop on Tuesday morning.

Acorns Children's Hospice helps families across the West Midlands.

In a post on Twitter, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street added: "Utterly appalling that someone would steal from sick children like this.

"The lowest of the low."

Toby Porter
Toby Porter said the break in was "just not acceptable"

West Midlands Police said it had been called to reports of a break-in at the shop at 08:00 BST.

It urged anyone with information to come forward.

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