Appeal to replace stolen charity money beats target

The Press previously reported how a collection in support of Prostate Cancer UK was stolen from the Three Cups pub in Stamford Bridge.

CCTV footage released by the pub appears to show a man hanging around the bar area and then cutting a wire that attaches the collection box to the bar before tucking it under his coat and walking away.

Matt Watkins, general manager of the pub, said he started a justgiving page to replace the stolen amount, which he estimated was between £50 and £70, but was pleased to see the fund had already beaten its target.

He said: "It's great, better than I expected. A couple had seen it online, came in, and said they wanted to donate £50.

"It's definitely put a bit of faith back in humanity. I think we're going to keep the page open for the next week or so and see if we can get any more donations for the charity. The main thing we want to see is police find someone, or hopefully someone will step up and name this guy."

The pub released CCTV footage over the weekend which appeared to show a man in a red jumper and dark flat cap wait until the bar was unattended, then cut the cable attaching the collection box to the bar.

He then appeared to pick up a menu and disguise tucking the collection box under his jacket, before walking away from the bar. He exited the pub, and walked in the direction of York.

Speaking to The Press at the weekend, Matt said: "The police have said unless someone can recognise them, there's not much hope of catching him. I put it on Facebook to try and get as much exposure as possible.

"I would really like to think they would have to get into a desperate situation to do something as low as this, it's as low as can be to steal from charity."

Anyone who recognises the man in the picture, or who can help North Yorkshire Police with their enquiries should phone 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12150173427.

To donate to the fund, go to justgiving.com/ThreeCups