15961/6Traders in Wootton Bassett are being told to be on their guard after a series of charity box snatches by heartless thieves.

The desperate low-life yobs have been sweeping in and out of shops and swiping charity collection pots leaving staff and shoppers in disbelief.

The latest incident saw the police helicopter scrambled after offenders made-off with a Royal National Lifeboat Institution pot from the Tinkers Lane Surgery just before 2pm last Wednesday.

Surgery manager Sandra Walklett said: "It was quite a quiet time in the surgery and he just came in at break-neck speed and before anyone knew what was happening he'd grabbed the pot and gone."

The offender was joined by two other males as he fled in the direction of Tanner's Close. It is not known how much money was in the pot.

"The scary thing for us is that they must have sussed us out first because it was so quick and they knew exactly where it was," said Mrs Walklett.

Police were called and the helicopter scrambled in search of the three offenders who were described as being aged around 16 and wearing jeans, with one of the offenders wearing a blue hoodie.

Sgt Andy Fortune of Wootton Bassett Police said: "This really is the lowest of the low and the residents that we've spoken to in the area have all expressed their absolute disgust.

"If you can stoop so low as to nick a charity box then you can commit other crimes and we're desperate to catch these guys because it may well lead us to nicking them for other offences."

The news follows the theft of charity boxes from other places in the town including the George Veterinary Practice, which had five charity boxes stolen after thieves broke into the premises almost three weeks ago.

An estate agent and dental practice are also believed to have fallen foul of the callous thieves in recent weeks.

"Unfortunately what this suggests is that this has happened before and we need to know about these things. People may only think it's a small thing and don't want to bother us but the more information we have the better chance we have of catching them," said Sgt Fortune.

President of the town's chamber of commerce, Brian Taylor, said: "There have been a number of problems recently and we just have to remain vigilant at all times. We're very lucky to have CCTV within the town as well as a very active police force but it's sad when these things happen."

Traders with collection pots are advised to secure them with a chain and make sure they are emptied often.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the three offenders and also for people to keep their eyes out for the discarded blue RNLI collection pot. "They may have taken it home or they may have just emptied it and then discarded it. If anyone finds it they should call us so that we can get forensics to take a look at it," said Sgt Fortune. The officer in the case is PC Julie Mason who can be contacted on (01793) 852213.