Thieves break into shop of Letchworth pensioner who has raised thousands for charity
Leonard Abrahams outside the front of his shop in Letchworth - Credit: Archant
A 72-year-old who has raised more than £30,000 for charity by selling used furniture is fearing for his Letchworth shop’s future after it was broken into.
The door which was damaged from the break in - Credit: Archant
Leonard Abrahams arrived to work on Tuesday morning to find that The Recycling Unit Saving Trust – where he has raised money for more than 100 charities since 2007 – had been burgled.
Police are investigating the crime, which took place at the Station Road shop between 5pm on Monday and 9am the following day, after the back door of the shop was forced open and a quantity of cash was taken.
The pensioner originally set up the shop – having been involved in the furniture industry all of his life – to reduce the area’s contribution to landfill waste.
Leonard, who lives in Rushby Walk, said: “I don’t know what devilment would possess someone to break into a charity furniture store – only some petty cash was taken, but I’m worried about what they were looking for.
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“I have never been broken into before and I am worried these dangerous people could target my shop overnight again.
“I’m surprised that they would target a furniture shop as there is nothing of real value to them here.
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“It is a real annoyance to have to repair my door because of these people.”
A police spokesman said: “Anyone who was in the area between these times who saw anything suspicious or has any information about who may be responsible should contact the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
