A WITNEY charity shop suffered £850 damage after a drain cover was used to smash its front window.

Cheryl Morley, manager of the Sue Ryder Care shop in Corn Street, said: “It just makes you angry that this mindless vandalism happens, and that people are trying to undo the good work we do.

“We are a charity shop, we use volunteers and we are reliant on the goodwill of the community to help us raise money.”

Though the damage was covered by insurance, she said the attack would put up the shop’s costs.

“In the current climate it is very difficult for charity shops anyway and now our insurance premiums will be affected.”

She said: “They have pounded it against the window at least three times. But fortunately they did not gain entry.”

She said the shop had musical instruments in the window, including a guitar, trumpet and a £300 saxophone on the night of the attack, June 14.

Police spokesman Marianne Stockton said: “Thames Valley Police was notified that a drain cover had been used to break a window at the Sue Ryder Foundation in Witney.

“Officers urge anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.”