‘Disgusting’ thieves swipe charity boxes

Lighthouse Cafe and Bar, targeted by thieves SUS-150113-155006001

A laptop, £250 cash and three full charity boxes were stolen from the Lighthouse Café and Bar, in Warwick Street, between 6pm on January 5 and 9am the next morning.

Owner Becky Lynch, 43 said: “Its disgusting. To steal from us is one thing but to steal from children’s charities is absolutely sickening.”

Police were contacted at 9.20am the next morning after chef Daniel Whittle discovered the break-in.

They said officers are currently viewing CCTV recorded in the area to see if it identifies any suspects.

The Lighthouse Café, which has been open a year now, is planning to hold two fundraising event in January and February o try and try to regain the money for the charities; St Barnabas, Oxfam and Wolfram Syndrome UK Support Group.

Mrs Lynch added: “We really want to try and get these three charities the money they deserve and the money that should have been given to them in the first place.

“The reaction from the community and on Facebook has been fantastic and we want to thank people for their support.”

Mrs Lynch appealed to businesses to come forward with donations and raffle prizes for the upcoming charity events, which can be brought into the café, or by contacting her on social media.

Neil Francis, Community Fundraising Manager at St Barnabas House, said: “We were shocked and saddened to hear about the theft from The Lighthouse Café.

“The fact that the owners are very kindly planning to do extra fundraising for us reallydemonstrates the kindness and loyalty our local community have for St Barnabas House and we are very grateful to them.”

Tracey Lynch, founder of the the Wolfram Syndrome UK Support Group, a charity based in Worthing, added: “We appreciate all Becky and the staff at the Lighthouse Cafe’s efforts to do to re-raise the money for not just our charity, but the other charities as well.

“These funds really can make a big difference.”

Anyone with information should email [email protected] quoting serial 249 of 06/01, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.