THIEVES have ransacked thousands of pounds worth of goods from a charity store just days after it opened its doors.

CCTV cameras captured two men breaking into the brand new St Teresa’s store on McMullen Road in the early hours of Wednesday, May 17.

200 watches, including Mont Blanc, Armani and DKNY timepieces, laptops, and keys to the shop were stolen in the burglary.

The charity, which offers palliative and end of life care only opened its doors 10 days before the break in, providing the North-East with one of its first ever charity superstores.

Marjorie McInytre, retail manager at the store, said: “It is hard to believe that people would do such a thing when the hospice movement exists to provide a free service to people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families - that could be the perpetrators’ mothers, brothers or friends.

“What they did that night will deprive us of the ability to provide this service to someone and I really don’t understand that at all.

“We were broken into several times at our previous depot and I would like to think that the thieves didn’t appreciate it was the hospice they were attacking.

“But the superstore is clearly marked and it’s hard to believe people can be so callous.”

Brian Jones, Darlington’s then Mayor, cut the official ribbon for the superstar, which offers thousands of square feet of retail space, warehousing, a distribution centre, an eBay department, as well as facilities to sort, renovate and restore a host of donated goods.

The hospice currently operates charity shops in Darlington, Thirsk, Richmond, Leyburn, Northallerton, Barnard Castle and Shildon.

Mrs McIntyre added:“The general public are incredibly generous with us and help us raise the £2.2m a year needed to continue our day care, in-patient and outreach services. “Thankfully incidents like this are rare but they are incredibly hurtful,” she added.

Jane Bradshae, St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive, said: “The break-in is disappointing but will not deter us in our efforts.

“What these thieves did is eclipsed many times over by the generosity of our supporters, volunteers and staff and the unfailing and enduring spirit that exists at St Teresa’s Hospice.”

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: “Officers responded to reports of a burglary at the St Teresa’s Hospice superstore on McMullen Road, Darlington, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, May 17.

“Investigations are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 80 of May 17, 2017.”

The new superstar is looking for extra volunteers. Anyone interested in asked to call the store on 01325 488701.