SHOPLIFTERS are stealing more than £5,000 worth of goods donated by the public from a charity shop every year, it has been revealed.

The Cancer Research shop, in Post House Wynd, Darlington, is losing up to £100 of stock a week because of thieves who target the shop up to three times a week.

Thieves have even stolen some of the shop's new World Cup memorabilia, which is being sold to raise money for research into bowel cancer, in memory of 1966 captain Bobby Moore, who died of the disease.

The shop's manager, Val Trotter, is appealing to security companies to donate anti-theft systems to tackle the problem.

She said: "I think it is a big problem in Darlington for charity shops. People think we do not know what we have got, but we know exactly what goes."

She said that although the average item in the shop cost about £4, thieves often targeted the more expensive, designer items that have been donated - for example, an Austin Reed dress on sale for £15. She said: "People give you nice clothes thinking you will be able to get a good price for them, but it is just so sad when people steal it.

"It spoils it for everyone. We have got some wonderful customers in Darlington who come back time and time again. It is a shame for the general public who shop with Cancer Research."

The shop has tightened up on refunds and exchanges as a result, and has stopped displaying designer and expensive items in prominent places.

There have been two successful prosecutions of people stealing from the shop.

The money lost by the charity shop every year could pay for several pieces of laboratory equipment, which are essential to help scientists find lifesaving cancer treatments.

Darlington police said officers would visit the store to give crime prevention advice.

To donate security equipment or other unwanted goods, call (01325) 380602.