A WOMEN’S charity which raised funds by breaking the world record for the biggest tombola, has been targeted by thieves.

Eve Well Women’s Charity used cash raised from the huge fundraiser to kit out its centre which offers advice and workshops for isolated women.

But overnight on December 2-3, burglars targeted the Heyford Park Community Centre, at Upper Heyford, near Bicester, stealing £1,000 worth of equipment.

Their haul included a 42-inch flat screen television, a Nintendo Wii console, equipment and games, a CD player and about 70 CDs.

Staff labelled the thieves “despicable”.

Chair of trustees Anji Hall said: “It would take us months to raise £1,000, and we are not in a position to replace the equipment because the thieves might come back.”

She added: “Our centre is a lifeline for ladies, not just for exercise, but for socialising. Our service are seen as vital.

“We are a registered charity and it’s despicable that someone has stolen from us.”

This summer the charity broke the Guinness World Record for the biggest tombola, smashing the previous record of 4,100 prizes by 829 prizes.

More than 500 people across the county donated prizes for the appeal.

The charity then marked its first anniversary in October by holding a raffle and raising £700.

The cash was ploughed into expanding the centre’s work and introducing an outreach programme which provided transport to bring women from Bicester, Banbury and Witney, to the centre.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Rebecca Webber appealed for any witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious to contact them on 08458 505505.

She added: “If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”