CHARITIES were targeted during a spate of break-ins.

Five shops - two in Prestatyn and three in Rhyl - were targeted by vandals overnight.

North Wales Police were called to reports of an incident at Shelter Charity Shop, Prestatyn High Street, at 8.30am on Friday, January 3. Glass had been broken and the crime scene investigation team attended.

The door has also been smashed at the RSPCA Clwyd & Colwyn Charity Shop on Prestatyn High Street and £40 was stolen.

In Rhyl, there were reports of a break in at a shop on Queen Street at 8.50am.

The British Heart Foundation in Rhyl was also fell victim as well as a shop in Bodfor Street.

The door had been forced and electrical items, from the shop, were taken.

Sylvia Moss, treasurer of the RSPCA's Clwyd and Colwyn branch, said: “We are just shocked and horrified that this awful incident has happened.

“They managed to smash through the thick glass in the door, inside they threw the till and they trashed the back of the shop. The glass from the door was everywhere.

“Luckily a glazer has kindly fixed the door at a reasonable price, but it will take quite a bit of time now to get everything back to normal.

"The safe handle has been damaged along with the till, although they were not able to open the safe and the till was empty. They also broke off the padlock of our charity dog box - who we call Rufus - and took the £40 donations from him.

“We think it will cost us around £400-£500 in total to get everything back to normal following the damage.

"It is just so sad that we have been targeted along with the other charity shops. All the money we raise goes back into the local community to protect animals.

“We would like to thank all those who have supported us in the past and if anyone can provide any donations or can volunteer for us, we’d very much like to hear from them.”

Cllr Tony Flynn, mayor of Prestatyn, said: “I was up at Shelter - it was all smashed. There was also an animal charity that had been targeted and I believe cash taken.

“I understand they all happened overnight. Three happened in Rhyl as well and they were all very similar.

“It is not professional work. It is done out of sheer opportunity and for the sake of it.

“These charity shops are run by volunteers and it is sad someone is targeting them.

“I was very sorry to hear of the incidents.

“I’d like to thank the police and hoping they can find out who has done this.

“May I send my kindest regards to all staff.”

Anyone with information, telephone police on 101.