Dougie Mac Longton Shop windows smashed twice in 3 weeks

Dougie Mac’s Longton shop, which moved to Longton Passage, The Strand, just over a year ago, has been targeted by two incidents of criminal damage within 3 weeks.

In the latest attack, vandals smashed the shops front window just before midnight on Thursday 29^th June.

Fortunately, no items were stolen due to other protective measures in place at the store, but repair costs are likely to be substantial.  

Head of Retail at Dougie Mac, Liz Clarke said: “We are devastated by these two incidents. Our dedicated shop staff and volunteers along with the remarkable kindness of local people together generate more than £5million each year which truly demonstrates the community coming together to make every £1 count.

“Some of this income will now have to be diverted from providing specialist end of life care to fix the damage and replace the window; it’s incredibly disheartening for everyone.”

Sadly, this is not the only bout of anti-social behaviour that Dougie Mac has encountered; as a small number of the hospice’s other shops have also experienced unacceptable and unpleasant behaviour from a minority of the public.  

Liz continued: “We are working closely with the local authority and our local MP’s across the area who have been supportive of us to implement efforts so our staff, volunteers and supporters all feel more comfortable.”

Now, the hospice is appealing for support in donations to help increase sales and income, which can go towards providing 24 hour care to adults, young adults and children living with a life-limiting illness.

“Our clinical teams do an incredible job in caring for our local community so it’s very frustrating when a minority of individuals think it’s acceptable to cause such damage and behave inappropriately with no thought to the impact their actions may result in. We’re just trying to help people during the most difficult time of their lives.

“The Longton shop will remain open as work begins to replace the glass, so please do consider dropping off any donations to support us.”

Dougie Mac’s Longton Shop is open Monday – Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm. For more information, please visit https://dougiemac.org.uk/our-shops/