RAIDERS smashed their way into shops to steal charity collection tins.

Hundreds of pounds were taken from Angela’s Kids’ Boutique, 2nd Time Around Boutique, and Weller Dry Cleaning & Ironing, all in London Road, Hadleigh.

The businesses have now stopped using tins to collect for charity, fearing further break-ins.

Steve Stott, owner of Weller Dry Cleaning, was collecting for Little Havens Hospice and a charity for the blind.

He said: “The Little Havens tin was full. We have customers who always put their change in. It’s such a shame for them. They are really nice people and it’s just for some scumbag to steal it.

“This is the second time it’s happened. It costs us so much to repair the windows, we have decided to stop collecting. We will donate to Little Havens personally, but we can’t have the tins because of these low-lifes.”

Angela Beckwith, owner of Angela’s Kids’ Boutique, was collecting for Havens Hospices and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

She said: “It was frightening when I got to the shop and saw glass everywhere. Theymust have got away with £50. I feel bad for the charities as they are missing out. I have had to pay £140 for a newwindow.”

Chief Insp Lesley Ford, district commander for Castle Point, said: “It’s heartless. It’s quite upsetting not only for us and the shopkeepers but in terms of members of the public putting donations in charity boxes.

“It’s very upsetting to see that happening. There is also a security message here to other shops with charity collections to keep their boxes secure.”

The boutiques were broken into overnight between December 3 and December 4.

Weller Dry Cleaning & Ironing, was broken into overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

Crooks also stole a blind.

Anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area on the nights of the raids should call Castle Point Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.