Restaurant charity box snatched in fourth theft

Police are investigating the theft of a fourth charity box in Ashford in less than a month.

They say the latest charity box was reported stolen from a fast food restaurant in Bank Street at 5.40pm on Thursday last week (June 15).

A man walked up to the counter, told the member of staff he was deciding what to order, and when her back was turned he grabbed the charity box from the side of the counter and made off.

It follows similar incidents, including a burglary at a shop in County Square overnight on Thursday to Friday, May 25 to 26 when a charity box was reported stolen.

A charity box was also stolen from an off-licence in the High Street on Tuesday, May 30, and another was stolen from The Chilli Bite café in the High Street on Saturday, June 3.

Sgt Jasmine Bloomfield of the Ashford Community Safety Unit said: “Stealing money destined for charity is a pretty heartless thing to do and we are keen to catch the offenders.

“We are asking anyone with information about any of the incidents to contact us. We are also urging the owners of shops and cafes to ensure their charity boxes are secured. The most effective way to do this is to chain them to their counters.”

If you have any information about the thefts, phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/25755/17.