CALLOUS thieves have stolen a collection box - containing no more than £5 - from an Alcester charity.

Staff at the Red Cross shop were shocked to discover thieves had broken into the High Street charity shop overnight between 5.30pm on Saturday, November 8, and 11am on Sunday, November 9.

But all that was taken by the heartless criminals was a collection box which contained between £3 and £5.

"I am deeply shocked by the whole event," said Roger Leese, British Red Cross area retail manager.

"Although the amount stolen from the shop was only very small, I cannot believe that anyone would be so malicious as to try and steal from a charity, especially when all the money raised through our shops allows us to continue helping those in crisis within the local area.

"I urge anyone who has any information about the break-in to contact either myself or Alcester Police Station," added Mr Leese

The British Red Cross is a leading emergency response agency in support of the statutory emergency services.

They provide impartial and essential caring services to individuals and communities affected by both minor and major emergencies, such as train crashes and floods.

In Warwickshire, the Red Cross offers a range of services to help people in crisis in the local community by providing first aid assistance at public events, loaning medical equipment such as wheelchairs and helping to settle someone back into their home after a stay in hospital.

Anyone with any information about the break-in can call Mr Leese on 0121 766 544 or Alcester Police on 01789 762207.