Theives Attack RSPCA Charity Shop
22/09/2008 The Coventry RSPCA is reeling after one of there much needed charity shop was broken into over the weekend.

The RSPCA shop on Winsford Avenue Allesley Park was broken into either late Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday morning.

The charity shops manager Jackie Langbridge was called out in the early hours of Sunday to tend to the scene after the shop was targeted by mindless thieves.

The thieves made away with a small amount of donated cash and one of the centres large collecting dogs after causing much damage to the shops windows and other items.

Deputy shop manager Karen Besant says ‘I am really concerned about the whereabouts of our missing collecting dog. This large plastic money box dog which is popular with children could be used inappropriately by its thieves to fraudulently obtain more funds ’We are asking the people of Coventry to remain alert and if they are approached by anyone collecting funds for the RSPCA that they check for relevant identification.

The estimated cost of the break in is almost £1000 which in these difficult times is a real financial blow to the centre and its charity shops. All this happened on the day of one of the centre largest fund raising events at Coombe abbey the annual mutt strut. Unfortunately the funds raised during that day will be needed to make the essential repairs to the charity shop which is disappointing as this would have been additional fund to help towards the costs of the running centre.

Jackie Langbridge Area Manager says ‘I find it really difficult to understand what kind of people could attack a charity in such a mindless way. The centre is facing a really difficult year financially and really needs the support of everyone. I am appalled by the actions of a few which makes a mockery of those who have made donations to the centre over the last few weeks’.


The charity shops are crucial to the centres survival between them raising enough money to pay the centres vet bills each year. We urge everyone to continue to support the work of the charity shops and there vital role towards the future of the centre.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the collecting dog or has any further information on the break in please call the charity shop on 024 76 677273 or Little Park Street Police Station.