Cash for Kids charity bucket worth £300 is snatched from trampoline park in Preston

A charity bucket containing around £300 in donations has been snatched from a Trampoline Park in Preston.
Police would like to speak to this man following the theft of a charity bucket from Energi Trampoline Park in Queens Retail Park, Preston on Friday, October 18 Pic: Energi PrestonPolice would like to speak to this man following the theft of a charity bucket from Energi Trampoline Park in Queens Retail Park, Preston on Friday, October 18 Pic: Energi Preston
Police would like to speak to this man following the theft of a charity bucket from Energi Trampoline Park in Queens Retail Park, Preston on Friday, October 18 Pic: Energi Preston

Money raised for children's charity Cash for Kids was stolen from Energi Trampoline Park in Queens Shopping Park at around 8.45pm on Friday, October 18.

The charity bucket had been in the venue's cafe when a man walked into the venue and stole it whilst staff were distracted with customers.

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A police spokesman said: "We were called after reports of a theft at Energi Trampoline Park in Queens Retail Park, Preston.

"It was reported a man had entered the building at around 8.45pm on Friday (October 18) and taken a charity box."

The family entertainment venue said the man can be seen on CCTV hiding the bucket underneath a jacket he had been carrying on his arm.

An Energi spokesman said: "We cannot believe this has happened while our staff were distracted on a busy Friday evening and we are shocked that anyone could do this to a kids' charity.

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"This bucket was due to be collected by the wonderful team at Cash for Kids as it was nearly full and we estimate £200 to £300 was in the bucket.

"We have clear CCTV of the man putting the bucket underneath his jacket and exiting the building.

"We have an extensive CCTV system throughout the entire building so it's very clear what's happened.

"It's such a shame because Cash for Kids are an amazing charity and help thousands of local children every year.

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"All the money raised on behalf of Cash for Kids stays in the area it was raised in, so all the cash directly benefits children in Preston.

"We now want to identify this man. If you think you recognise him, please contact us privately or contact Lancashire Police."

Officers investigating the theft said they believe the suspect might have links to the Lancaster area.

A police spokesman said: "Through our enquiries it has become apparent the man in the footage may be using the train to travel from Lancaster to Preston.

"We believe the man may have links to the Lancaster area.

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"If you can help us identify the man please email [email protected] quoting log ref 1237 of October 23, or call 101.

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Who are Cash for Kids?

Cash for Kids are a grant making charity helping unwell and disadvantaged children across the UK.

All the money raised on behalf of Cash for Kids stays in the area it was raised in, benefiting children in the local community.

Every year it raises millions of pounds for local children and young people who are suffering from abuse or neglect, who are disabled and have special needs or who simply need extra care or guidance.