Dudley's British Heart Foundation furniture store was broken into at the weekend, costing the charity thousands of pounds in repairs.

The store in Castle Street was targeted overnight on Sunday 5th March; the day after thieves also struck at the charities West Bromwich shop.

Staff at the stores are now helping the police to investigate the burglaries and are also taking precautions against future break-ins by reviewing the current security measures. Julie Taylor, British Heart Foundation's area manager, said:

“The recent break-ins at two of our stores has been really disheartening for us. It has caused a huge amount of damage to the stores, which will cost thousands of pounds to repair, taking money away from the [our] vital work.

“It was also a really upsetting situation for all the staff and volunteers who work really hard in the fight for every heartbeat. Slowly but surely we hope the stores can get back to normal and bounce back from the events.”

Following the burglary, the Dudley store is appealing to the local community for support to help them get back on their feet. Residents are being encouraged to have a clear out at home and donate any unwanted furniture and electrical items such as sofas, beds, TVs or washing machines, through their free home collection service. Julie added:

“We absolutely rely on the support of the Dudley community to keep us running and it is only with their generous support that we are able to fund lifesaving heart research across the country.

“If each household in Dudley were to have a quick clear out and take advantage of our free home collection service they would be helping to save lives; it really is as simple as that.”

The free home collection service can be booked by visiting bhf.org.uk/shops, calling 0808 250 0030 or popping into the store itself.