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".
Historic - 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."
Suspects - 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.
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".
Footage - 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.
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