A brazen break-in at the weekend has left a North Dunedin charity op-shop $200 short and facing a hefty repair bill.
On Sunday night the Animal Rescue Network charity shop in North Rd had its front door pried open and a money box stolen.
Network co-ordinator Ana Andrianova said the money box contained the till float and Saturday's takings, which added up to about $200.
The shop's cellphone, which was used as a connection for an eftpos machine, was also stolen.
Ms Andrianova said she had no words to describe how disappointed she felt but those who broke in were heartless and irresponsible.
"No matter what I or anyone will say it doesn't matter for them - they've got no conscience.''
As a result of the break-in, the door frame and lock would need to be replaced.
"At this stage we will need to repair the door frame, which will cost us a lot of money as the frame and the door itself were damaged, and it will take at least four hours for a builder to fix it, plus the cost of materials, plus the cost of locks.''
A volunteer, who was delivering cat litter to the shop yesterday morning, was the first to find the broken door and the money missing, she said.
It was the first time the shop had been targeted.
Instead of looking after homeless and lost cats, volunteers had to spend all day at the shop cleaning up.
"It is an absolutely disgusting experience to go through. All our volunteers and supporters are upset about it,'' she said.
About 200 cats and kittens were being cared for by the charity and more kittens were being fostered each day, she said.
"This is supposed to be the end of kitten season, but really it never stops. We are still getting pregnant cats even now.''
A police spokesman said an investigation into the burglary was continuing.
