STAFF at a Southampton charity shop have been left "upset" after thieves targeted their store. Staff arrived at the Bitterne Village Sue Ryder shop this morning to find thieves had forced their way in through the front door - ransacking shelves and causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

But assistant manager Kev Vause said the amount stolen is less than the damage caused.

Speaking to the Echo Mr Vause said: "They have made so much damage for the little they have taken. They probably got about £10 in cash and some bits of jewellery.

"I have lost business this morning as we've had to close while we sorted things out.

"It's a lot of money that's not going to the charity.

"I'm really upset." The shop is part of a national charity with shops all over the UK - raising money to provide palliative and bereavement support.

Thieves damaged the till and door. Mr Vause added: "Staff are currently cleaning up. The burglars may have got distracted as there are some shopping trolleys filled with items left behind.

"However we are estimating that there is hundreds of pounds of damage as well as lost income."

Hampshire constabulary have been contacted for a comment.