Thieves struck at a Dorset charity during the week it marked its 25th birthday – causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

Staff at Weldmar Hospicecare say celebrations were "dampened" by news of a theft from a delivery van belonging to the independent charity.

Two rear tyres were reported missing, along with two rear lights and glass from a wing mirror.

Weldmar bosses believe it will cost more than £1,000 to repair – "equivalent to one patient receiving care for three days".

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A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which occurred outside Weldmar's furniture outlet on the Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole.

"We were called at 8.40am on Wednesday to reports that items were stolen from a white Ford Transit van belonging to Weldmar Hospicecare", they said. "The incident is believed to have happened between 5pm, Tuesday 22 and 8.40am Wednesday 23 January".

Weldmar Hospicecare has 26 shops across Dorset, which help fund its services.

Caroline Hamblett, chief executive of Weldmar, expressed her disappointment that the charity is now faced with a repair bill.

“Everyone at Weldmar Hospicecare is extremely disappointed and saddened to hear someone has targeted our charity by stealing from us", she said.

"We rely heavily on the generosity and goodwill of the people of Dorset to help fund our services.

"We thank Dorset Police for their support”.

The charity said deliveries are now on hold until repairs are made and is asking customers to bear with them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 23-072 .