A COLLECTION tin was stolen from a popular charity shop last Wednesday (October 21) between noon and 2pm.

The thief managed to cut the string securing it in place from the St Luke's Hospice Shop in Brook Street — taking the orange tin out of the shop in broad daylight.

Jane Portman, manager of the shop, said the act was 'unbelievable'.

'This was the second time this has happened — the other time being around six to eight months ago.

'It also happened to another St Luke's shop in Plymouth the same day.

'This tin was pretty full and heavy. The last one we had, had £112 in it so this tin could have had the same amount inside.

'It is just so sad as they are preventing the patients getting the care they need. I just can't believe it — I hope their conscience troubles them.'

If you saw anyone carrying an orange collecting box, please call PC Simon Raeburn or PCSO Kevin Williams on 08452 777444, quoting reference number JT/09/1205.