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Spate of charity bank thefts in Cambridgeshire investigated by police

Harriet HeywoodBBC News, Cambridgeshire
News imageCambridgeshire Constabulary Salvation Army clothing banksCambridgeshire Constabulary
Salvation Army and other charity banks have been targeted by criminals

A spate of thefts from charity banks has led to a police investigation.

Since March, 21 thefts have been reported in south and mid Cambridgeshire, including ones in Cambourne, Cambridge, Ely and Abbots Ripton.

Locks on charity banks have been damaged and public donations taken out of the containers.

Police said the incidents were "disruptive" to charities raising money for "good causes".

The containers are typically filled with clothing and footwear donations.

News imageCambridgeshire Police Bags of clothes found in a van in Cambourne, CambridgeshireCambridgeshire Police
Dozens of bags of clothes thought to have been stolen were recently discovered in a van in Cambourne

A police spokesperson said: "Incidents such as this are very disruptive for the charities which are trying to raise funds for good causes.

"If you notice anything suspicious around clothing banks when you are visiting supermarkets or driving around, please report it to us online."

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