A much-loved Huntingdonshire charity shop is appealing for donations after its windows were smashed.

Located on St Benedict's Street in Huntingdon, the front windows of The Attic were damaged within two weeks of each other in August.

According to founder of Diamond Hampers Lianne Simpson, this is the latest in a spate of "disheartening" incidents to afflict the store. 

She told The Hunts Post: "We've now got two broken windows and another window was smashed just two weeks after we reported the first. 

"It's really frustrating for us because in total we've had seven windows smashed and we simply don't have the funds to keep replacing them. 

"We report it every single time to the police, but unfortunately they're unable to do anything about it. We know officers are stretched but it's frustrating because we feel as though we're a target."

The Attic has been operating for the last three years, selling homeware, electrical appliances, gifts and toys, with the majority of products priced at just £1. 

It is part of Diamond Hampers, a community interest company, which provides all kinds of care and support to people in the community. 

As well as The Attic, Diamond Hampers also encompasses The Pantry, an affordable food shop in All Saints Passage, Huntingdon.

Money raised in The Attic goes towards emergency food aid in the community, providing basic household items to young people leaving care, and supporting families with long term solutions.

Lianne, who was awarded Gold in the Best Emergency Food and Community Support Service in Cambridgeshire for 2024, said 'constant urination' outside the charity shop had also become "unbearable".

She said: "It's not just broken windows. We've had vomit, blood and broken glass outside the shop, which is constant and ongoing. 

"But the broken glass makes us vulnerable because it is severely damaged. We've got tripled-layered glass and we can feel the cracks on the inside, which leaves us open to further damage or people trying to break in.

"It can't be very aesthetically pleasing and probably puts people off." 

Lianne said that replacing one pane of glass previously cost the charity shop £500, which is 'money we don't have.' 

The Attic's crowdfunding page is hoping to raise a similar amount to replace the two windows which remain damaged.

She added: "We're entirely non-profit, so we don't make any money from what we do and every penny we raise is completely reinvested back into the community."

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: "We received a report of criminal damage, namely a smashed window, at The Attic charity shop in Huntingdon – believed to have taken place between 5pm on 16 August and 7.50am on 17 August.

"An investigation was launched which included checking nearby CCTV but unfortunately this was filed (pending any further information coming to light) due to no viable lines to enquiry.

"Anyone with any information can contact police online or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 35/60279/24.”