CALLOUS thieves ransacked a charity shop and stole money which should have gone to aid terminally ill children.

The Julia's House Children's Hospice shop in South Street, Dorchester, was targeted over the weekend.

Thieves made off with more than £150- vital funds that were meant for children with life-limiting illnesses aged up to 18.

Offenders gained entry to the shop by smashing the window at the back of the property and broke though a locked door in the shop's office.

Fortunately, the day's takings had been banked by staff earlier in the day.

However, thieves stole a collection tin from the counter and the stores float money, amounting to about £150.

The grim discovery was made by the shop’s duty manager when she opened up on Saturday morning.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Brie Logan, retail manager for Julia’s House, said: "The thieves completely ransacked the office and surrounding area.

"All the internal doors were damaged and there was broken glass everywhere.

"It is a very sad time.

"However the shop team and volunteers coped really well and were wonderful at cleaning up all the debris.

"The response and support from the public when we opened in the afternoon was tremendous.

"Thank you to everyone who helped us out on Saturday."

Dorset Police were called to the incident at 8.50am on Saturday to reports of a break in at the charity shop.

It is believed that the incident occurred sometime between 5.30pm on Friday May 1 and 8.40am on Saturday May 2.

Witnesses or anyone with information or anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 2:128.

Julia's House PR and communications co-ordinator Sally Rowe said: "It's really disappointing to have people break into a charity shop.

"Thankfully the staff had already banked the day's takings."

The shop is open as usual for shopping and donations.