CHARITY boxes and tip jars were among the items stolen during a string of overnight pub burglaries in Weardale, County Durham.

At the Bonny Moorhen in Stanhope, a thief or thieves forced open the rear door of the pub sometime overnight (Sunday into Monday).

Once inside, the intruder raided the slot machine and stole an unknown quantity of cash. Small amounts of money were also taken from the pool table, bonus ball pot and two charity boxes belonging to the MS Society and the Great North Air Ambulance Service. The pub keys were also taken, forcing the landlady to change the locks.

The Pack Horse Inn at the other side of the Market Place was another pub targeted last night. A back window was forced open and charity boxes, staff tips and a petty cash tin were stolen.

Further up the dale in St John’s Chapel, the rear door of the Golden Lion pub was forced open and a television was stolen.

The Chatterbox Café in the village was also broken into and a pair of gold framed spectacles and £7.50 from an honesty box for a local craftsperson were taken.

Café owner Chris Johnson said the receipts had also been emptied out onto a table, but the charity boxes were left behind.

Durham Police have arrested a 28-year-old local man on suspicion of burglary. The man is helping officers with their enquiries.