A BLAZE that shattered a Leyland charity shop front is the latest in a string of suspicious incidents to hit businesses and charities in the centre of the town.

A bag of goods left by a donor in the doorway of St Catherine's Hospice shop, Hough Lane, was set alight on Sunday, October 6, at 11.30pm.

The door exploded, shattering the glass and causing interior smoke damage.

Now police are stepping up patrols in the area and hoping to secure a bid for CCTV cameras in Leyland town centre after their first application was refused.

This is not the first time the hospice shop has been targeted by vandals. A shed at the rear of the shop has been broken into repeatedly and now the hospice is urging people not to leave donations outside their shops.

Maureen Nickson, trading company manager of St Catherine's Hospice, said: "This was mindless. We're always glad of contributions, but I'd encourage people not to leave donations outside the shop for this reason."

The Derian House Children's Hospice shop in Hough Lane, also fell prey to crime when it was broken into on September 15. Thieves made off with collection boxes and funds for the 'Forget-Me-Not' appeal, totalling more than £100.

"Why people would break into a charity shop I don't know, especially one that supports local children. It is a disgrace," said Collette Whittaker, Derian House development manager. "The volunteers that work here are suffering and we've lost the help of one lady who couldn't cope with the constant vandalism and pick-pockets."

Blockbuster Video, also in Hough Lane, has stepped up security following an attempted break in on Saturday, October 5.

Sergeant Ian Partington, of Leyland Police, said: "We are responding accordingly with an increase in patrols. Leyland town centre doesn't have CCTV coverage.

"The police, council and other partners put in a bid for CCTV, but were unsuccessful and will be re-applying."