POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a charity box was stolen from a shop in Harpenden High Street during a burglary.

The incident happened at Odds and Ends, between midnight and 12.30pm last Monday, August 1. Police said one or more thieves forced their way into the shop’s back entrance and cut cables to the telephone and internet.

A number of items were taken during the burglary, including a Red Cross charity box, a lap top and money from the till.

PC Barry Eldridge, investigating, described the act as “callous” and went on: “I am appealing for anyone with information to come forward. It may be that you saw or heard suspicious activity that night. The entrance to the back of the shop can be accessed by an alleyway, where the offenders would have been visible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Eldridge via the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.