Thief steals rare books from charity shop (From Witney Gazette)

Thief steals rare books from charity shop

2:00pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in News

A CHILDREN’S charity has been hit by the theft of three rare and valuable books.

Volunteers at the Save the Children charity bookshop in Woodstock were shocked and upset last Saturday when they discovered the books worth £150 had been taken.

The three volumes of the 19th century book Medals of the British Army, and How They Were Won were taken some time between 10.30am and 11am from the High Street store.

Save the Children helps tackle child poverty and works in 120 countries across the globe.

Shop leader Cindy Carlton said: “I feel utterly depressed and saddened more than anything.

“Whoever has stolen them from us has stolen them from our children. It is just awful.”

Cindy Carlton

The shop had the books valued by a military history books expert, and it also looked online to see how much other sellers were charging.

Since opening in March the town shop, which is manned solely by volunteers, has raised £17,000 for the charity.

Mrs Carlton added: “We are so gutted as we have only been open a few months.

“We have been doing so well and getting great support and that’s a big chunk. I am hoping whoever did it feels guilty.”

Police appealed for any witnesses to call them on 101.