THIEVES used a firewood axe to smash their way into a room of a room in the Collie Anglican Op Shop on Tuesday morning.
An outer door had been damaged by the young burglars before they really made a mess of the interior, Anglican priest Father Ian Bailey said.
He was away in Perth when the break-in occurred but returned later that day to speak wirh police and church workers.
“They broke the back door open and then used the axe to smash up the office in their search for money.”
The day was well advanced before volunteers, led by shop manager Margaret White, were able to start cleaning up.
“Police asked us not to do anything until forensics were finished,” Father Bailey explained.
“The young blokes who did it were probably wearing clothes we gave them,” he remarked bitterly.
“They have been seen running around town and the police have a pretty good idea who they are.”
He intended seeking help to fabricate strong steel gates to keep intruders out, Father Bailey said sadly.