BURGLARS broke into a West Oxfordshire pub and stole a good causes collection bottle.
The burglars used a concrete umbrella stand to smash the front window of the Grade II-listed Bell Inn in Standlake Road, Ducklington, on Monday.
Landlord Danny Patching, estimated between £300 and £400 was taken during the early morning break-in.
The money had been donated by regulars to help fund good causes in the village.
Mr Patching, 65, said: “The worst thing is we have made a large amount of cash for the village, and it’s their money that has gone.
“My customers make a big effort to raise money for the village. They are all behind it, and indescribable people like that steal the money that should benefit people.”
Mr Patching, who lives next door to the pub, was told about the break-in by a member of staff who lives in the pub’s accommodation. A neighbour heard a car leaving the pub at about 2am.
PC Jude Miranda said: “I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area who may have seen something that could help our investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact PC Miranda, on 08458 505505, or call Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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