HUNDREDS of pounds have been cruelly stolen from a charity after crooks smashed their way into a Harwich pub before stealing a collection tin. 

The Alma Inn, in King’s Head Street, fell victim to a break-in at about 5.30am on Monday, with thieves taking a charity tin with "about perhaps £300" of donations in it.  

An “irreplaceable” glass door window, estimated to be from the 1880s, was also shattered and a couple of "cheap tablets" used by the staff were damaged. 

Owner of The Alma Inn, Nick May, said he was very disappointed crooks would target anyone "in such a small town where everyone knows each other".

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Historic - The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms has serving Harwich residents and visitors since the 1850sHistoric - The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms has serving Harwich residents and visitors since the 1850s (Image: Submitted)

He also revealed all the glass from the window has now been collected and he wants to either re-make the pane or "create a feature."

He added: "It survived two world wars and a couple of devastating floods as well as all the developers from the 70s and the 80s, but now it is gone." 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Suspects - The two persons seen on security footageSuspects - The two persons seen on security footage (Image: The Alma Inn)

Mr May said more importantly the thieves stole money from a charity pot for Harwich's Home Start Charity.

Other than that, "only crisp packets and very cheap tablets" were snatched during the raid. 

Mr May estimated there could be up to £300 in the donations box, specifically because Richard Oxborrow had donated the monetary value of copies of his latest pub book to Home Start instead of The Alma Inn. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Damage - The Alma Inn's now broken window Damage - The Alma Inn's now broken window (Image: The Alma Inn)

Mr May said the only positive was he has seen several people donating money, some even donating £50 and £100, to Home Start since the break-in.

The voluntary organisation offers practical and emotional support to families with children under the age of 11.

A spokesman from Essex Police said no arrests have currently been made and the "investigation will be ongoing".

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Footage - Limited footage of the break-in does existFootage - Limited footage of the break-in does exist (Image: The Alma Inn)

The force has also asked anyone with any information to contact 101 and quote crime reference number 42/78064/24.

Alternatively, visit essex.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Money can also be donated to Harwich Home Start by visiting home-start.org.uk/home-start-harwich.