A Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) shop in the Cotswolds was targeted by thieves earlier this week.
Cotswold RDA charity shop on Tewkesbury High Street was broken into overnight between Wednesday and Thursday (26-27 January) and donations were taken.
The glass front door was smashed, the till was broken and display units were damaged.
“Lots of the beautiful donations of riding jackets and other clothing have been stolen,” said a spokesman for the store. “Every item in the shop has been donated by local people who want to support the costs of making a difference to Gloucestershire people living with disabilities.”
The shop had only been open for a matter of weeks — since 6 December — and is the first RDA charity shop for the branch and the charity nationally.
Thieves stole an estimated value of £2,000 worth of goods, including riding jackets that would have sold for around £50 each.
The team of staff and volunteers are “very upset” and are working with the police.
Staff said they had received lots of support following the break in, including deliveries of cake from Carousel Tea Room, also in Tewkesbury.
Happier times at the shop’s opening
“We will be back open as soon as possible and look forward to welcoming back our customers,” they added. “We want to thank the Tewkesbury townsfolk for all their support.”
Cotswold RDA has over 200 volunteers, and its patron is para dressage rider Natasha Baker, MBE.
“Please do support us,” said a charity spokesman. “The proceeds from the shop support the costs of providing riding lessons and other equine based activities for people living with disabilities in Gloucestershire who need our services now more than ever.”
