Another Shrewsbury charity box for the homeless is stolen
Thieves have struck for the second time by stealing a donation box which was put in place to help homeless and vulnerable people in Shrewsbury.
One of the boxes has been ripped from its position on Frankwell footbridge in Shrewsbury.
It is not known how much money was in the box at the time of the theft.
Last week one of the boxes installed close to Tesco Express on Pride Hill was stolen.
Two people were arrested and will appear at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court soon.
It is believed the blue metal box, which was one of four placed around the town, was taken sometime over the weekend.
CCTV footage is now being studied but the box has not been found. Other boxes were placed at Shrewsbury Railway Station and in the Square.
Posters and metal signs to promote and raise awareness of the Alternative Giving scheme were also put up around the town centre.
Money placed in them by members of the public was to be given to The Rough Sleepers Task Force, The Shrewsbury Ark and Shrewsbury Street Pastors.
The boxes were brought in to stop people giving money to the town's beggars.
The scheme was introduced as many people who beg are not actually homeless or sleeping rough and many beg to feed a drug or alcohol habit.
Inspector Edward Hancox, from West Mercia Police, said: "A second alternative giving box was taken from Frankwell footbridge over the weekend.
"This was discovered on Monday morning, and is being investigated as theft.
"It is very disappointing that a second box has been stolen, and as a result, the remaining boxes are being removed temporarily so that additional security measures can be put in place.
"Rough sleepers around the town are reporting that they are getting less money given to them directly as a result of the alternative giving boxes being in place.
"However, we recognise that they are vulnerable and direct them to the organisations around the town that can help, such as Shrewsbury Ark and the Street Pastors.
"It should also be noted that all rough sleepers in the town have been offered accommodation from Shropshire Council due to the drop in temperature over the past few days.
"Anyone concerned for a rough sleeper should call police on 101 or Shropshire Council who can help."
The collection boxes were manufactured free of charge by Shrewsbury firm Salop Design & Engineering Ltd and were unveiled on February 4.
