A MAN smashed his way into a Lower Gornal charity shop to steal a donation box and costume jewellery.

The door and side window of the Mary Stevens Hospice shop in Louise Street were damaged during the break in, which took place between 12am and 2am on Friday.

A charity spokesman said: "Unfortunately for him, we do not leave money in our stores overnight. He did however steal our coin donation box and lots of costume jewellery.

"He also decided to smash through our display cabinet with a hammer for good measure before leaving.

"To say the incident has saddened us in an understatement however, we are open for business as usual, with smiles on our faces and even more determination to generate income to support the fantastic work carried out by our hospice.

"The damage will soon be repaired."

The suspect left the shop via the front window and drove off in a Ford Focus in the direction of Gornal village.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 20DY/134252H/18.