A charity boss has accused thieves of “taking food out of children’s mouths” after they raided a safe and stole nearly £2,000 destined for a food bank.
The culprits smashed their way into Daniel’s Place thrift shop in Banff before forcing open the safe and fleeing with the cash.
Police are now investigating the incident, which happened on Sunday afternoon.
Officers last night urged other charities and local businesses to “remain vigilant” as it is the third recent theft, with two collection tins stolen from takeaways last week.
Ian Lindsay, chairman of Daniel’s Place, said the thieves “burst open” the double door leading into his Low Street premises and went straight to the safe, ignoring the IT equipment in their path.
“They bypassed computer screens, laptops, desktops computers and went straight for the safe,” he said.
“They forced open the safe and took everything that was inside. It was just under £2,000.”
Mr Lindsay – who only moved his social enterprise into the shop in December – said some of the money was earmarked to pay rent on the premises as well as funding a new CCTV system. The remainder would have been used for a local food bank scheme and community growing initiative.
“They’re stealing from the neediest,” Mr Lindsay said. “It was for a food bank and community growing scheme.
“The people here in Banff are some of the best in the world – but we’ve seen the worst now. We’re here for people in need. With benefit cuts and sanctions families – particularly single parent families – are struggling to feed their children.
“The thieves are taking food out of children’s mouths.”
Mr Lindsay has now made an urgent appeal for donations and support to ensure the charity can continue supporting needy families.
Police in Banff have urged local shopkeepers to be “extra vigilant” following the spate of thefts from charities in the area.
Last week an RNLI collection tin was taken from Rex’s Kitchen and another raising money to fight Spina Bifida was allegedly stolen from Kelly’s Chips.
Inspector Megan Heathershaw said: “A four-figure sum of cash was taken which is a significant amount of money intended for good causes.”
It is understood the break in at Daniel’s Place happened between 2pm and 5.30pm on Sunday.
“By their very nature charity shops rely on the generosity of local people to benefit the community, so for funds to be stolen from those in need is shameful,” she said.
“I would urge charity owners and local businesses which have charity boxes on display to remain vigilant and take every precaution possible to ensure your properties are secure from opportunistic thieves.
“I would urge you not to leave boxes on display and refrain from leaving large sums of money on site unattended. It goes without saying that charities and businesses should be able to operate without the fear of being targeted.”
Insp Heathershaw added that officers are using “every resource available” to identify the culprits and will carry out “directed patrols” during the day and night to deter repeat incidents.
Following a last week’s charity box incidents a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were charged.