BOXES for children’s charities were snatched in a break-in at a high street beauty clinic.

Skincare products with a total value of 'around £1,000' and two charity boxes were stolen from Danica Payne Aesthetics in Southampton.

The shop on High Street was raided in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Business manager Nikki Hammerton said the glass front door was smashed and someone crawled through to get inside.

“Glass was everywhere,” she told the Echo. "Neighbours above us heard the commotion and numerous reports were made to the police of the break-in.

"We are really grateful to have such wonderful neighbours, who alerted us.

"We had to close the clinic for the best part of the day."

She said charity boxes for “young children” were taken.

"That's just disgusting. These are charities that are close to mine and a colleague's hearts. It is just awful."

During the burglary, collection boxes were taken.

Daily Echo: Broken glass from the break-inBroken glass from the break-in (Image: Nikki Hammerton)

One for Cohen's Box, a charity that helps families whose babies are born prematurely.

And then another, for Alfie's Wish, funds days out for children with cancer and their families.

Shop owner, Danica Payne, knows the founders of Cohen's Box.

Meanwhile, Nikki knows the family that set up Alfie's Wish.

"It raises funds for families and children, cancer patients to give them precious time as a family, creating memories with families who have been through so much,” Nikki said.

She added: "One of the charity boxes we have had since we first opened in March 2020.

"For us, we had to close the business for most of the day. It is inconvenient.

"In the scheme of things, it is a door but when we saw that they had taken the charity boxes that broke our hearts.

"To think that people could just take that. It’s makes you feel so terrible."

Danica added: "It is just heart-breaking. We were shut for seven to nine months (during Covid) to finally get back on our feet to be super supported, as a small business.

"A patient put £20 in that for the kids, that’s what gets me."

Hampshire police said they were alerted to the break-in shortly after 2am on Tuesday.

A force spokesperson said: "Glass in the door had been smashed to gain entry. Boxes containing skincare products were stolen.

"Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting 44220402802."

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