Police have released CCTV footage of a thief who stole a charity collection bucket from a pub in Hull, taking cash intended to support local veterans. The incident occurred at St Johns Hotel on Queens Road last Tuesday night, just as the pub was closing.
The suspect entered the premises while barmaids were collecting glasses in another room. The bucket, which supports the Hull 4 Heroes charity, contained approximately £60 in spare change donated by regulars over the course of a month.
Pub manager Aidy Martin expressed his dismay, saying: 'It was right on closing time - literally a minute before midnight. Someone - I won't call him a person - sneaked in and popped straight in and out. It's awful and just really annoying. People here are just giving to a good cause.'
Regular Ron Coole, 74, who volunteers for the charity, described the theft as 'despicable'. He added: 'Whatever charity it is, it's a bucket that's there to help other people. All the change builds up so there's quite a lot of money left in it each month.'
Despite the theft, Mr Martin confirmed the pub will continue to support Hull 4 Heroes, which aids former soldiers after they leave active service. The pub has had the collection bucket for five years and will be sent a replacement.
Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting reference number 16/17524/18.
