Callous thieves have spoilt Christmas for a group of fundraisers by stealing their charity collections.

STOWMARKET: Callous thieves have spoilt Christmas for a group of fundraisers by stealing their charity collections.

Half a dozen people in Aldis Avenue have had money stolen from collection buckets outside their homes over the past three weeks.

The residents traditionally raise charity funds by putting up elaborate Christmas decorations over the festive period.

Stephen Starling, one of the fundraisers, said: “How anyone could steal charity money is beyond me.

“I know there's a recession on and people are hard-up but it's a despicable thing to do.

“Obviously these people don't believe in the spirit of Christmas. It's really saddened us.

“We don't know how much was taken but in the past we've raised hundreds of pounds so it could be anything near that amount.”

The money was going to be given to a charity which helps blind and partially sighted people.

Now people are being asked to make donations through the residents' letter boxes in the last few days before Christmas.

Mr Starling added: “We would like to thank people who had donated. It's such a shame that their money won't be going to the proper cause.

“We would also like to warn people about what has happened so if they still want to donate they can do, but we would urge that they put money through letter boxes instead of in the buckets.

“In five years of collecting we've never had a problem so hopefully we'll do it again next year.

“But this has certainly made us lose faith in people - it's the time of year for giving not taking.”

Anyone with information on the theft should contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.