Lowest of the low: Thief caught on camera stealing charity box
A man broke into a charity shop and stole a donation box and costume jewellery from the premises.
The thief was caught on CCTV after he smashed his way in to the Mary Stevens Hospice shop, in Louise Street, Lower Gornal, in the early hours of Friday, June 15.
He caused damage to a door, side window and a display case during the burglary.
The hospice has now released a CCTV image of the thief in a hope that someone may recognise him.
They also thanked the community for rallying around them in the wake of the break-in.
A spokesman for the Stourbridge-based charity said: “Our shop managers and volunteers are fantastic every day and stay behind to ensure no money is kept in the shops overnight.
“Unfortunately, he did steal the donation tin off the till, a large collection of costume jewellery and he smashed our display case with a hammer on his way out.
“In the wake of something potentially devastating for us as a charity, we have seen our community rally round us and support us in a way that will live with our shop team and volunteers for the rest of their lives.”
The spokesman continued: “As for the gentleman in the picture, we want to reach out and say that while we can’t imagine what situation prompted your decision to steal from a charity like ours, we want you to know that the damage done will be fixed, we will work extra hard to re-raise the money and items you’ve taken.
“Our Gornal shop team will continue to work diligently to serve our community and our patients with a smile on their faces.
“Please also know that should you ever find yourself in need of our care, it will always be available to you if you are in need.”
Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101.
