‘What a shame that we have sunk so low’

Couple shocked as charity collection stolen from outside home

A caring Ashford couple were left saddened and shocked last week after money was stolen from their charity piggy bank.

Richard Darlington, 70, and his wife Doreen, 73, have covered the outside of their house in Christmas decorations for more than 15 years in aid of the Guide Dogs charity.

But now the couple’s efforts have been sabotaged, after the plastic fundraising box sat outside their house in the shape of a 2ft guide dog was broken into and the money stolen overnight on Tuesday, December 27.

Mr Darlington, who lives in Gladstone Road, South Willesborough, said: “We normally collect anything up to £150. Sometimes it’s a little less, sometimes it’s a little more.The people come by and the children put a penny in. That’s nice.”

Mr Darlington said that one padlock secured the container to the wall and another padlock attached the plastic dog to the collection box, which is believed to have been cut open and the money taken.

The top part of the box, the dog, was then removed. It was discovered half a mile away from the couple’s house the next day and returned to them.

Over the years, the couple have raised thousands of pounds for the charity which is close to their hearts.

Mr Darlington has left the lights on following the incident. He said: “Several people said ‘don’t give in to them’.”

The Christmas lights tradition began as a family joke when their children were younger, and has continued ever since with their support.

The decorations take around four days to put up and four days to take down, and Mr Darlington traditionally turns them off on Twelfth Night.

Mr Darlington said: “I want people to realise that there is still a lot of crime out there.

“What a shame we have sunk so low that people are having to steal off charity boxes. Really nothing is safe.”

He said they are now no longer actively collecting for the charity for the rest of the festive season due to what happened, but generous passersby have posted donations through their letterbox.

Anyone with any information about the theft is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference ZY/47166/16.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk

FM4632341/FM4632343 Richard Darlington, who decorates his house every year for Guide Dogs, has had the money stolen