One of the UK’s largest charity stores has been targeted by thieves.

Emmaus Preston says its megastore in Brookfield Street, just off North Road, was broken into between Wednesday (20 March) and Thursday (21 March).

What was the former B&Q store has become a haven for those seeking a bargain and helps the charity raise cash for its vital work.

Emmaus say the thefts have caused ‘great disruption’ with more than 100 brand-new large electrical appliances taken worth around £20,000.

The megastore was targeted between 10pm to 1am and items taken included washing machines, cookers and fridge freezers.

Director of Emmaus Preston Stephen Buchanan said: “We were all heartbroken to discover our Megastore had been broken into when we arrived for work on Thursday morning.

“It seems clear that this was an organised crime and the gang may well have had to make more than one trip to steal the amount of goods that they did.

“This theft has caused great disruption and heart ache to our community, along with a large bill for the repairs that will be needed. Our people are formerly homeless and work hard in our shops to raise money to pay for their food, training and support.

“We had a number of deliveries that day for people in need who had nothing, referred through Lancashire Welfare Scheme, who now we cannot deliver to.

“We urge anyone with any information that may help the Police to come forward to help us recover from this awful incident.”

Emmaus Preston helps formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and meaningful work in the megastore or elsewhere across its network.

Read more: Exploring inside the UK’s largest charity store

The megastore’s CCTV system was also stolen during the break-in and damage was done to the building itself.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident reference LC-20190321-0318. Or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

Read more: PNE star Louis Moult rolls up his sleeves at the Foxton Centre