A north-east charity has been forced to take the depressing step of installing CCTV cameras after its donation box was targeted by thieves.
Whitehills and District Playing Field Association helps to raise funds to support the upkeep of the fishing village’s park.
It is a run by a team of 26 dedicated volunteers and used to host picnic, sporting events and birthday parties and also offers a pavilion with public toilets, where donations are welcomed.
Sadly an unknown thief forced open the money boxes in the male and female toilets to steal a sum of money.
The exact sum taken is unknown but committee chairman James Milne said the theft had left him “disgusted.”
He said: “Someone just bust both of the boxes open and took the money.
“The cash was there to cover our costs for the toilets, which are open all summer and spring.
“We are just really disgusted because at the end of the day it is not just about the money. They are stealing from kids.
Mr Milne said the committee have been given a security system which will cover the entrance to the toilet.
The theft came the day after the group raised £555 at a bingo event and he said the incident “overshadowed” their efforts.
Mr Milne added: “Since this incident a local man has come forward to offer us a CCTV system and we have got someone on our committee who will fit it.
“There is a strong community spirit here and everybody tries to work together.
“It is one of the best play parks in the area and it is all paid for by the association.”
The theft took place on Sunday April 29 and police have confirmed they are investigating.
Whitehills and District Community Council chairman Ross Balharry said: “We’re very sad that this has occurred. It’s a very well-used facility.
“We liaise with the police force at monthly community council meetings and hopefully they will be keeping an eye on the situation.”