Oxford Shop 'Lush' Tells Amazing Story Of Burglary Foiled By Homeless Woman 'Lottie'

This Homeless Woman And Her Dog Saved Store Thousands By Bravely Tackling A Burglar

A homeless woman and her dog who bravely tackled a shop burglar have been hailed as "amazing" for securing the return of thousands of pounds worth of stolen property.

Lottie, who regularly sleeps rough in front of Oxford's 'Lush' shop, challenged the person who was stealing a laptop and a handful of products.

She was able to rescue the goods and returned them the next day, much to staff's delight.

In a post on Facebook, the store described its employees as a "family" who were left "worried" after they discovered the burglary.

"We want to share what Lottie did with all of you, because we are greatly moved by her selfless actions in protecting us, and want to thank her from the bottom of our hearts," they said.

Lottie and her dog on the steps of 'Lush'

Lottie often slept outside the store after it closed, and so recognised the man emerging carrying a handful of items was not delivery or full-time staff.

"She knew that the man walking out of our shop was not us, and she did the extraordinarily brave thing of challenging him. And taking back what was not his; returning a box worth over a thousand pounds back to us," Lush's Oxford branch Facebook page said.

The cosmetics company used the opportunity to blast local cuts to homeless support and services.

The store has a history of campaigning on important issues

"Homeless budgets are continually being cut, services destroyed, in Oxford. There is a dwindling support for vulnerable people and we must fight it," they said.

"There are people who are getting sick and dying on our streets, as we walk by. It is our responsibility to speak out, volunteer, become active in challenging these governmental cuts, and the stigma against homeless people."

Lush has since set up a fund-raising page to publicise Lottie's story, which has raised almost £400 for her so far.

In a plea to donors, the firm wrote: "We would love to launch this Go Fund Me page whilst you are all so engaged in Lottie's story, however we must first and foremost bear in mind that Lottie will make her own decision in what she wants and needs from all of this.

"Every single donation will go towards Lottie and homeless charities around Oxford. So please show your amazing support!"

Oxfordshire County Council's cuts have also being slammed by David Cameron, whose Witney constituency falls within the county.

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