A charity has been left 'disappointed and angry' after being targeted by thieves.

Staff at East Cheshire Hospice's store in Congleton say they have been experiencing 'regular' incidents of shoplifting.

However, thanks to CCTV, they have been able to catch the culprits in the act and confront them with the footage.

Louise Delany, the charity's commercial manager, said: "CCTV is invaluable to us, as we can use the evidence when we have to confront a shoplifter.

" These situations can be both embarrassing and confrontational, which is unfair on our hard‑working staff members."

She added: "We are deeply disappointed and honestly quite angry to see theft happening in our charity shop.

"Every item here is donated with kindness, and every sale supports our local hospice.

"Shoplifting does not just hurt the shop; it takes directly from our community and those most vulnerable within it.

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"We value every donation given to us and work hard to price items accordingly. Unfortunately, we find that higher‑priced items are often stolen or have their price tags removed.

"Stealing from charity shops is becoming increasingly concerning."

One of the volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice's Congleton shop (Credit: ECH)

This week, East Cheshire Hospice's shop on Chestergate in Macclesfield fell victim to shoplifters, who made off with a painting valued at £200.

Thankfully, they captured the suspect on CCTV and will be contacting Cheshire Police, as well as making their own enquiries.

Luke Brightmore, the hospice's marketing and communications manager, added: "Every item stolen from our charity shops is money taken directly away from patient care at East Cheshire Hospice.

"Our shops help fund vital services for local people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and shoplifting has a real and immediate impact on what we can provide.

"We're incredibly thankful to our community who donate items for our shops to sell, so it's such a shame to see these acts being committed."