BURGLARS have targeted an animal charity making off with several hundred pounds after breaking in and taking a till and safe.

The raiders struck at Wood Green Animal Shelter in Chishill Road, Heydon, on Tuesday night at around 9.30pm.

Both the till and safe were recovered in Fowlmere the following day.

A spokesman for the charity told The Crow that the money taken was to spent on the day-to-day welfare of the animals and a significant amount of the cash had been raised in a charity shop.

Tara Dundon said: “We are all devastated that this has happened and the money has been taken, whoever has done this has stolen from the animals.

“We’re really glad that none of the animals because there was a lot of cats, rabbits and guinea pigs on site.

“Were glad they didn’t hurt them but at the same time when staff are turn up to work and see their work place being broken into it’s really upsetting.”

It is estimated that the total cost to the charity including damage and the money taken is over �1,000.

Mrs Dundon said the organisation will find the money from somewhere and it would not impact on Wood Green’s work.

The charity re-homes thousands of animals and assists pet owners as well as providing help overseas.

Heydon’s centre is one of three in the country and is geared towards smaller animals.

A police spokesman said: “To target a charity is a particularly low act and I would urge anyone with any information to call police. Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.