Appeal after painted jacket stolen from local greyhound charity shop

A SWANSEA charity shop is facing an all-too-familiar problem after a “one of a kind” jacket was stolen from its window display in broad daylight.

- LOIS MCCARTHY

Claire Franklin, who has managed Greyhound Rescue Wales for eight years, is no stranger to the challenges of running a charity shop, but said this particular theft had been personally “very upsetting”.

Located in Kingsway Road in Swansea, the shop has become well known for its quirky window displays, often featuring upcycled items like dresses made from crisp packets and denim jackets transformed into unique pieces of art.

Claire said the the recent loss of a specially crafted jacket has left her feeling disheartened. The jacket wasn’t just another item for sale - but something she spent a lot of her free time working on, for the good of the charity.

“I had painted the jacket in my own time; it was a bit ripped on the inside but I didn’t want it going in the bin - I'd rather make something out of it.”

The jacket was due to be auctioned to raise money for the charity.

Claire said: “We do these auctions to raise money for the Greyhound Rescue Charity and the shop. I only do it with the odd item every now and then. I have done a few jackets and shoes.

“This jacket was very popular, lots of people were enquiring about it.”

Unfortunately, the jacket was stolen before the auction could take place.