THIEVES who made off with two charity boxes from a Saffron Walden business have been branded as “despicable”.

The boxes were swiped from the front counter of Humphreys butchers in George Street between 7am and 1pm on Friday (December 30).

The boxes were designated for St John Ambulance and Help for Heroes.

Paul Humphreys who owns the butchers said: “It is outrageous. How can anybody do that? It is the lowest of the low.

“I wouldn’t want to chain the boxes down because I find that offensive in itself, but it looks as though that may be necessary.”

Humphreys has rotated its charity boxes over many years and those stolen were two of four on display.

Mr Humphreys though, remains defiant and is now looking to make a personal donation to the respective charities so that they are not out of pocket.

“The charities should not be the victims in all of this,” he said.

“And we will continue plodding on and doing what we can [for these charities].”

Insp Kevin Wakefield of Saffron Walden police station said: “This is a really low crime and I would urge anyone with information to get in contact with us immediately.

“I would also appeal to shopkeepers in the area to be vigilant with respect to their charity boxes.”

Anyone with information about the crime should contact Pc Jack Russell on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.