A Wiltshire Councillor has been left devastated after his cafe was broken into and two charity collection pots were allegedly taken.

Sarah-Jayne’s Cafe, located in Chippenham Market Place, was broken into at around 1.30am on February 11, when a window on the front door was smashed.

The cafe is owned by Cllr Nic Puntis and his wife Sarah-Jayne, who the business is named after.

While it was not initially believed anything was taken, Cllr Puntis says police have since seen CCTV of a suspect making off with charity boxes.

These held around £120 worth of donations for cancer charity GIST UK, which Cllr Puntis chairs, and the RSPCA.

The Cllr for Chippenham Cepen Park and Derriads has also been slapped with a huge bill for the damaged door.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Cafe door window was smashed and cost hundreds to replace.The Cafe door window was smashed and cost hundreds to replace. (Image: Newsquest)

He claims repairing it set him back around £700 and is disappointed somebody would target local businesses and charity collections.

“As the chairman of one of the charities I know where that money goes and it all goes into supporting patients and carers”, he said.

“Being told you have cancer is the worst thing anybody can be told, I know that because I was told that myself, so it’s so upsetting for money given in good faith to be stolen.

“It’s not an easy time for businesses anyway, especially hospitality, and it is tough with electricity costs and food costs going through the roof.”

Cafe manager Mary-Anne Gibson discovered the broken door and revealed the experience was frightening for her.

She added: “At first I was scared and then I was angry. How dare they do that?

“When I realised the door had been kicked in I was on my own, so for a couple of seconds I was concerned, but I realised there was nobody in there. But it wasn’t the nicest thing to find on my own.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Cafe is in Chippenham Market Place.The Cafe is in Chippenham Market Place. (Image: Newsquest)

“My 15-year-old son had donated money that day. How dare they steal money he and whoever else put in there, it’s a nightmare.”

Police have called for any witnesses with information to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “We are investigating a break-in at a cafe in Chippenham town centre.

“We’d like to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the Market Place on the night of February 11.

“If you can help, call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230015384.”

Sarah-Jayne’s Cafe is continuing to raise money for charity, with staff set to take part in a sleep out for Unity House on March 25.