PREDATORY shoplifters taking advantage of the generosity of Eastleigh residents have pushed the goodwill of a team of charity workers to breaking point.

Frustrated staff manning the NCH charity shop in the town centre have seen thousands of pounds' worth of donated stock smuggled out of the door in the past 18 months.

Now the team, most of whom are volunteers, are looking to set up tighter security measures at the Market Road shop, in a bid to crack down on the thefts.

In the meantime, changing facilities for customers have been shut down to stop the thieves using them.

Manager Cheryl Bennett, who oversees a team of 13 volunteers, is disgusted that the thieves are making money off the back of a charity that helps children and young people.

Mrs Bennett said of the latest theft, which happened on Wednesday: "That was the straw that broke the camel's back for us. It has happened virtually every single day since we opened in May last year.

"It is more than one person doing it and it is obviously big business for them as they must be selling the clothes on. The only thing I can say about them is unprintable.

"I think it's a great shame that they are depriving children and young people who need this money and are doing it at the expense of people who are giving up their own time."

"The shop could be doing a lot better, but we are losing so much stock.

"This week alone we have already lost £30. Times that over the entire year and that's how much we could be losing."

Mrs Bennett now hopes a security expert will come forward to offer his services to the beleaguered store.

She said: "If there is a retired policeman or security guard who can give any time - even half an hour - then at least we would have the chance of catching someone."

The team also hopes a local business will be able to donate CCTV cameras for use in the shop.

Anyone who feels they can help the shop should contact Mrs Bennett on 023 8062 0384.