Police are still searching for answers after thieves raided a north-east charity store.
The culprits broke into thrift shop, Daniel’s Place, in Banff, as the prelude to forcing open a safe before escaping on Sunday afternoon.
The charity’s boss subsequently accused them of “taking food out of children’s mouths” after estimating about £2,000 destined for a food bank had been stolen.
Last night, police were still probing the scene and launched a renewed appeal for help from the wider community.
The community has been blighted by a spate of thefts during the past month, with charity tins from local takeaways being stolen last week.
More than £100 was taken in the incidents.
A spokeswoman for the police said: “Inquiries are ongoing about the theft on Low Street.
“We continue to appeal for information from members of the public and urge them to call Police Scotland on 101.”
In the wake of the break-in, other charities and local businesses have been told to “remain vigilant” by officers.
And, last night, local councillor John Cox described the latest break-in as “deplorable”.
He said: “These are volunteers who are putting a lot back into the community, so it’s disgusting that some people have done this.
Ian Lindsay, the chairman of Daniel’s Place, confirmed nothing else was taken in the raid.
He added: “They bypassed computer screens, laptops, desktops computers and went straight for the safe.”
As well as providing vital cash to a food bank, the stolen money was earmarked to be spent on rent and funding a CCTV system for the property.
Mr Lindsay said: “They’re stealing from the neediest people. The people here in Banff are some of the best in the world – but we’ve seen the worst now.”
Last week, one RNLI collection tin was taken from Rex’s Kitchen and another – raising money to fight spina bifida – was allegedly stolen from Kelly’s Chips.
It is understood the break-in at Daniel’s Place happened between 2pm and 5.30pm on Sunday.
Following last week’s charity box incidents, a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were charged.
