CCTV images of burglars who smashed their way into a County Durham community centre have been released by the police.
Bishop Auckland CID are appealing for anyone who recognises the thieves to get in touch following the incident at Ferryhill Community Hub, in Ferryhill in the early hours of Monday, August 15.
The four men, dressed in tracksuits, caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the former Ferryhill Leisure Centre doors and Hub bar during the raid.
They took a collection box for a sick woman containing at least £600.
It was the first of two attacks on the community building in a week as Child’s Play Private Nursery, on the ground floor was also broken into overnight on Saturday, August 20.
The thieves in that instance drilled their way through a 7ft fence and window to steal the nursery’s safe but only got away with 60p.
It is not known whether the two incidents are connected.
PC John Forster, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: “The Hub is a charity and is a big part of the local community. The charity monies were for a poorly local girl who is fighting cancer so obviously it is heart-breaking for the family.”
He added: “If anyone knows anything at all about the incident, if they know even just a nickname of anyone involved I would urge them to please examine their conscience and please get in touch with me.”
To report anything call 101.
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