VANDALS broke into a Barnsley charity shop and caused ‘significant’ damage but did not steal anything.

The Barnsley Hospice shop on Blucher Street, one of six shops in the borough, was broken into last Sunday night, causing damage to the roof, a side door and the glass panel on the front door.

Staff found the damage on Monday morning, and despite their initial shock they found nothing had been stolen although said the damage will cost around £1,000 pounds to repair.

Julie Ferry, chief executive of Barnsley Hospice, said: “We’re shocked and saddened that this has happened. Although nothing was taken, and most importantly, no one was harmed, the culprits caused significant damage to the property which will cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

“We don’t understand why anyone would do this, especially to a charity which is helping people in the community, and it’s particularly devastating for our staff in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.

“But we’re determined not to let this callous act dampen our spirits and Blucher Street is now back open for business. We’d like to thank everyone in the community for their continued support.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were called to a charity shop on Blucher Street on Monday December 2 to reports that persons unknown had broken in to the shop over the weekend.

“It’s believed the offender, or offenders, gained access by breaking a panel on the front door. It is currently unknown what was stolen in the incident.

“An investigation is now underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 177 of December 2.