KIND hearted police officers have held a whip round to help out a teenager whose travel funds were stolen.

Chloe Keogan, from Witton Gilbert, was taking part in a charity bag pack at Consett B&M bargains in December when one of her buckets containing a sum of money went missing from the checkout.

The 15-year-old, who is a member of Framwellgate Scouts group, hopes to travel to West Virgina to visit the World Scouts Jamboree in July with the money raised.

She said: “I had a huge sum of over £3,500 to raise for my trip to America and have been collecting money since 2017, carrying out odd jobs like babysitting.

“When I found out that someone had stolen my bucket I was so disappointed, I found it so disrespectful that someone would steal from a young girl without any feeling of guilt.”

Katy, Chloe’s mam, was overseeing the event at the store when the bin went missing and immediately reported the theft to the police.

A 38-year-old man from Consett has been charged with theft and will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on February 12.

Officers also organised a collection to contribute towards Chloe’s fundraising including donating money from the office tuck shop.

PC John Gordon, from Consett police team, said: “When we heard about Chloe’s money being stolen we immediately wanted to help her. To steal money from a young girl trying to fundraise is just despicable.

“A collection was organised by response officers, PC Carl Symes and PC Lee Jackson, to contribute to Chloe’s fundraising. We’ve had a fantastic response and have raised over £50 so far.”

Chloe met with the officers recently to say ‘thank you’.

She said: “I am honoured the officers went out of their way to help me. It was great to meet them face to face to express my gratitude.”