A NUMBER of charity boxes were stolen in a burglary at a Stratton pub on Monday morning. This was one of two pubs in the village to be targeted that day.

Police said two pubs in Stratton — The Kings Arms and The Tree Inn — were burgled sometime between 12.30am and 9am.

The Kings Arms Hotel on Howells Road was broken into, and approximately £200 worth of damage was caused when the offender/s entered the premises. They left empty handed.

The Tree Inn was also broken into, and again, damage estimated at £200, was caused. The offender/s stole a large quantity of notes and coins, including the tips collected by staff.

Other items stolen included a quantity of tobacco, believed to be the Gold Leaf make. There were also four charity boxes stolen and these were a Royal National Life Boat box in the shape of a lifeboat; a fire service fund charity box in the shape of a fire engine; a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds charity box and a Bude Life Saving Club charity box. All the charity boxes contained money but it is not clear how much had been collected in each at the time they were stolen.

If anyone has any information regarding these burglaries, please contact Bude Police on 08452 777444, quoting log reference numbers BU/09/231 and BU/09/232. Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.