A retailer has been horrified by the daring theft of its charity box in broad daylight.
CCTV shows a woman walk into Pets Paradise in Chrisp Street Market, Poplar, London, and take the tin from the shop counter while the owner was in the back store room.
She then walks out with about £200 worth of donations meant for charities or customers unable to afford food or medicine for their pets.
Shop staff member Lisa Allison, whose mother Doll owns the store, told The Docklands and East Londond Advertiser: “We’ve never had this before. Mum is trusting and kind-hearted. She would never have thought for a minute someone would come in and take the charity tin.”
Lisa said the shop usually has two people working, but Doll was on her own that day because a member of staff was off sick.
Her mum was out the back stocking up on pigs’ ears when the woman came in, making off with the tin within seconds.
It is thought a second woman, who entered earlier, was an accomplice sent to ‘scope the store’, Lisa said.
“Mum’s been in Chrisp Street Market years and years. Everyone knows her. She’s never had a problem with shoplifting and thieving. She’s disappointed and feeling a bit violated really.”
She said her mum would help people who came in saying they didn’t have enough money to feed their pets. “They’ve unnecessarily taken something mum would have freely given.”
Since sharing the video on social media, well-wishers have donated money in a show of support. One man who heard about what happened even visited the shop to pop £20 in a new tin.
“We want to say thanks to everyone who’s donated. It restores your faith in people,” she added.
The Met Police is investigating.
