A CHARITY has been left counting the cost after vandals smashed its shop window.

The Colchester PDSA shop, in Long Wyre Street, was damaged and it will cost about £1,000 to repair.

Store manager Brenda Economou said: “I’m angry and upset that someone has vandalised our store like this.

“It was frustrating for the staff and volunteers, who had to spend their morning cleaning up the mess instead of raising funds to help the sick and injured pets of local people in need.

“I’m now appealing to local supporters to help by donating their unwanted items to boost funds for poorly pets.”

The shop raises money to provide free veterinary treatment for sick and injured pets at Basildon PDSA PetAid Hospital.

A police spokesman said: “The person responsible for this damage has clearly given no thought whatsoever to the charity, which will have to foot the bill.

“We work very closely with Neighbourhood Watch, which runs a scheme called Charity Watch aimed at the charity shops.

“It encourages them to look out for each other and their shoppers, particularly around the issue of purse thefts.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened overnight last Thursday, is urged to contact PC Amanda Beck at Colchester police station on 0300 3334444.

For more information about the PDSA store, call 01206 364669.