'Contemptible' burglars target homeless charity

The warehouse was targeted some time over the weekend, police say

A break-in at a warehouse used by a city homeless charity has been described as "contemptible" by police.

Items including food, toiletries and clothing have been stolen from the storage facility used by the Whitechapel Centre in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said the raid on the premises in Blackstock Street is believed to have happened sometime between 17:00 on Friday and 08:15 GMT on Monday.

The charity's chief executive David Carter said: "It's sad that somebody would steal from a homeless service - it doesn't make sense."

He said they were preparing to donate items including chocolates and selection boxes as they "want to make sure everyone has a gift at Christmas, ultimately".

Mr Carter said the burglars had damaged shutters and "trashed the place".

They also stole toiletry sets that were to be given out to people throughout the year, with the charity saying they received most of their donations around Christmas.

Mr Carter said staff and volunteers "have just been so brilliant, cleaning up".

Chief Inspector Charlotte Irlam said: "Business burglaries are not victimless crimes but for people to choose to target a warehouse which collects items for the city's homeless, and in particular just before Christmas, is particularly contemptible."

She appealed for anyone who was in the area over the weekend and might have heard or seen anything or been offered items or sale to contact police.

The burglary comes as Merseyside Police run their annual Christmas campaign aimed at preventing crime during the festive period.

The force said there would be an increased police presence across Merseyside as part of Operation Shepherd, with officers patrolling shopping centres, Christmas markets, and other popular festive locations.