These are CCTV images of a man suspected of stealing a school charity box from a city shop.
Lancashire Police have described the incident at a Preston store as “absolutely disgraceful” and appealed for information about the theft.
Officers said the man went into Frenchwood Cash and Carry, in Bence Road, Frenchwood, at around 1.15pm on Wednesday, August 29 this year.
He walked up to the till area, and while staff were distracted, took a collection tin raising money for Abrar Academy, the Islamic college and secondary school in Garstang Road, Preston.
The man hid the charity box inside his clothing, before walking around the store, picking up another item, which he paid for at the till, and leaving with the tin.
Shop owner Ahmed Gangat said it was a “very sad” incident.
He said: “It’s bad enough stealing but taking a charity box is really bad.
“I think it had more than £50 in it because we were collecting over the Ramadan period.
“My son had put a pound in it every day, so I know he put in more than £30.
“We’ve got CCTV and it’s good quality, so I’m hoping once it’s in the paper, someone will recognise him.”
Police asked anyone with any information about the incident to come forward.
PC Ian Zanelli, who is investigating the theft, said: “It is absolutely disgraceful that someone would steal from a charity like this.
“I would urge anyone who may recognise the man in this image or anyone who may know anything at all that could assist our investigation, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Lancashire Police by calling 101 and quoting crime reference number DA1202752.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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