A CALLOUS thief has swiped charity cash from a St Margaret's home.

The heartless crook smashed open a donation box placed outside Rosemary bungalow by owners John and Stephanie Ford, who lit up their home in a bid to raise funds for three causes.

Disgusted nan-of-five Mrs Ford, 58, blasted the light-fingered filchers after discovering the theft on Monday morning.

The St Margaret's parish councillor, who has lived in the village all her life, said: "They are low-lifes. They would have known this is for charity because we have a sign outside saying this year we have put out a donation box with proceeds to be shared between Pilgrims Hospices, the Ronald McDonald charity in Camberwell and King's College Hospital."

The Camberwell and King's College causes were chosen by builder John and Stephanie after the help both gave to their friends John and Jo Keohane following problems when daughter Erin was born in May.

Mrs Ford said: "I found the box broken opening in the morning and was disgusted. This was for charity. What they thought was in there I don't know, I don't think we had collected a massive amount as it only went out on the first Sunday in Advent but it all adds up.

"Now people will have to come up to the house to make donations and I am not sure how that will affect it. People who would maybe slip 10p or 20p in the box might not want to come up to the house to hand it over."

The disappointed housewife is now hoping police will take fingerprints when they visit the scene in a bid to catch the crook but says the incident will not stop the family from lighting up the Christmas display or collecting for the three causes.

She said: "You just have to go onwards. We have been putting out the lights for more than 20 years and had hoped this year it would be part of the fundraiser's we have carried out so Erin's parents can hand over a cheque on her first birthday.

A spokesman for Dover police said: "It is commendable that people are raising money for charity but we would urge them to think carefully about security if they are leaving expensive decorations and a money box outside their property."

If anyone has any information about the theft contact Kent Police on 01304 240055 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.