A CHARITY shop has received a CCTV system free of charge in the wake of a string of thefts.

The Penarth branch of Cancer Research UK on Stanwell Road says it has been the victim of a number of incidents of shoplifting over the past few months.

Having heard about their terrible misfortune, Sonic Alarms which is based across the road offered to install a CCTV system free of charge.

Store manager, Paul Phillips, expressed his gratitude for this "great act of generosity" and said it reflected the kind nature of the town.

The shop which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year has lost a number of items over a period of several months and sometimes as many as four items a week.

Mr Phillips said: "We had no security before. All we had was a dummy camera in the corner. The staff were getting quite upset about the thefts.

It's sad that some people think they can come in and just take what they want. I've worked in the retail sector for decades and seen this sort of thing happen but I never thought I would see it at a charity shop."

Mr Phillips then spoke to the owner of a business across the road from him about the incidents.

Peter Regan who runs Sonic Alarms Systems was only too happy to help his close neighbour when he discovered what was happening.

Mr Regan's father set up the company forty years ago since when they have grown to employ sixteen staff and have moved from their former premises on Glebe Street for more space.

He went to the shop and had a look before Mr Regan and his team installed a total of seven cameras on the site.

Mr Phillips says he feels much better now that he knows his store is being monitored by CCTV equipment.

He said: "This great act of kindness is typical of the geneoristy of the people of Penarth. It never ceases to amaze me."