A thief who stole a charity box from a High Street jewellers in Maldon has been branded the lowest of the low by the shop owner.

Barry Everett, who owns Kimbells, said: "Everything in the shop is locked up and the only thing that isn't is the last thing you would think anyone will steal."

Mr Everett said he remembered seeing a teenager in the shop and thought he may even have picked up the other boxes - to see which was the heaviest - before making his choice and escaping.

Mr Everett had no idea how much cash was inside the box which was for Camvet, a charity which helps train vets at Cambridge University.

Mr Everett said: "I think about it in terms that you are a target as a jeweller but when they steal charity money they are the lowest of the low."

He has offered a £100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the thief.

The suspect was aged about 15 or 16 years old, about 5ft 5ins tall, had short ginger/red hair and was wearing a pale blue anorak.

Anyone with any information should call Maldon police on 01621 852255 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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