Gardai in Athlone are investigating an attempted break-in to a charity shop in the town.
Investigations are underway after the front glass of the Jack and Jill boutique at St Mary's Square was attacked overnight.
No entry to the shop was gained and the store remains open but is due to close temporarily to allow repairs to take place this afternoon.
The store is open since late May and in a statement to Shannonside FM the retail area manager for the children's charity says it is very unfortunate that this incident has happened and they are hoping it's a "once-off."
They are also thanking their landlord and the local Gardai for taking "swift action".
The statement is below:
"It's very unfortunate that this incident has happened and we're hoping it's a once-off.
We are so proud of our new store in Athlone, which opened at the end of May, and have been thrilled by the support we've received from the local community - from volunteers who have given their time, people who have donated their pre-loved items and shoppers who have found treasures in our store.
We'd like to thank our landlord and the local Gardai for taking swift action today, and to our store manager, Sylvia, for coordinating efforts to get the store back up and running. Unfortunately, we'll have to close for a few hours while work is underway to replace our window, but we look forward to welcoming customers back to our store soon."
Maggie Malone, Retail Area Manager for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.
