MORE than £500 has been stolen from a charity shop after intruders forced entry. 

Police are investigating a burglary that occurred overnight on Wednesday August 26 at the St Mary's Hospice charity shop in Yewbarrow Road , Grange. 

Entry was forced through a rear window of the shop and two safes were taken. 

One, which was already empty, was found discarded close by. 

The other one, containing around £500 is still missing. 

It is described as being pale in colour and it is a Burton Eurobolt . 

The intruders also messed around in the store, removing batteries from items and taking the milk out of the fridge. 

A near by bench in the area of the community orchard was also vandalised overnight and police think that these two incidents may be linked. 

Police are looking to speak to anyone who was aware of any suspicious activity in the area around Main Street, Grange or anyone who has any knowledge of the missing safe. 

Police would also like to remind home owners and business owners to ensure that all doors, windows and gates are kept locked when not in use and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 and ask for Barrow CID or alternatively ring Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.