SEVERAL shops including two charities in the town centre have been targeted by callous thieves as part of a mini crime wave.

The Advertiser reported last week that thieves broke into the RSPCA shop just off High Street, which raises vital cash for the Worcester and Mid Worcestershire Branch.

Although nothing was stolen the shop's locks were damaged and staff were left shaken.

Commenting on Facebook the shop said: "Our manager and volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds to support the rescue work of animals in need. The staff were very shaken, but we are pleased that we have only suffered damage to the shop's locks, and shutters.

"Our Bromsgrove shop remains in need of good quality donations, and our manager would definitely appreciate a show of support for her, and her team."

Deborah Wall, manager, said: "It was a very upsetting experience, and leaves a very bad taste in your mouth that there are people who think it's ok to steal from a charity."

She thanked her team and the trustees, and echoed the call for donations.

It was broken into on July 29 as well as several other premises including St Richard’s Hospice which helps raise money to care for adults with a serious progressive illness.

A police spokesman said: "There were attempted burglaries at a number of shops in Bromsgrove town centre on the night of 30 July 2019 and a police investigation is ongoing.

"Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has any information can get in touch quoting incident number 002s of 30 July 2019."