THIEVES have stolen the money in the donation box by the Town Hall that are in place for the Melksham Christmas Lights appeal.
The incident happened at approximately 1.00am on Wednesday 4th December and was captured on CCTV. This follows the news in a recent edition of the Melksham News that thieves had stolen tools from the Christmas lights volunteers whilst they worked.
The donation box which is positioned by the Christmas tree in the Market Place was prised open before the cash inside was taken. CCTV images show two people were involved. One wearing a black / dark hooded top with a large white logo on the front and one with a dark hooded top and bright white baseball cap on. In the process of stealing the money the thieves also damaged the display, broke a pump and as a result, took up hours of the volunteers’ time.
Christmas lights organiser Paul Weynouth said, “It’s so disappointing to think that people put their hard-earned money into the donation boxes to help towards the lights then low-life like this come and just help themselves.
“The police have been informed and they are dealing with the CCTV and it will be circulated, so hopefully the culprits will be caught. I only noticed the money was missing as I happened to look the day before and I know I locked it up again after. We think money has been taken on previous occasions as we have found the box slightly open and empty on a few occasions. We thought maybe one of the volunteers hadn’t closed it properly, but now we know these thieves have been helping themselves.”
The theft has outraged the Melksham community for the second time in weeks following the theft of the tools and now the donation money. People took to social media sites Facebook and Twitter to share their thoughts on the incident. Maggie Hicks said, “Not only did the volunteers have their tools stolen by some heartless person, but now the low life are stealing the money being raised by all your hard work. Shame on them I do hope that someone recognises them and speaks up!”
Sammy Miller agreed saying, “People like that are just vile creatures. First it was the men’s tools stolen and now money! Karma will come their way and hope the police catch the scum.”
Kelly Williams summed the incident up. She said, “For God’s sake! What in hell is wrong with these people?!”
• What do you think of the theft from the Melksham Christmas lights team. Tell us your thoughts by emailing news@melkshamnews.co.uk
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