A spate of charity box thefts has been condemned as "even worse than despicable".
Four Essex Air Ambulance collection boxes were stolen in three separate incidents in Colchester and West Mersea on Tuesday.
Jean Twin, fundraising and operations manager for the air ambulance, said the thefts were "very unfortunate" for both the charity and the businesses who supported it.
Crime reduction officer Colin Stiff said: "Any crime is despicable, but stealing donations from the general public to charitable organisations is even worse than despicable."
- Anyone with information should contact police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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