IF THE burglar had simply asked for help, they might have got more.

That was the message from Aspire Ryde, after the community hub was broken into and a small amount of money in a collection pot stolen. The pot had only recently been emptied and there was nothing else of any value to take.

The hub, on Dover Street, Ryde, was burgled overnight on Sunday.

Aspire posted on social media: "We'd just like to apologise to last night's burglar for not leaving anything of much value available for you to take.

"You see we try to leave things for everyone on the stand outside and you really don't need to break in to get what you need.

"Anyhow, thanks so much for leaving us lots of lovely CCTV footage. Just so you know, we have more than the three cameras you broke.

"As you may know, we are all about sharing at Aspire, so we've shared your pictures with the police.

"Next year, please come and see us while we're there. It's much nicer to be part of something than it is to hide in the darkness. Merry Christmas."

Trevor Nicholas, Aspire chief executive, told the County Press: "It's disappointing this person chose to do that instead of come to us and tell us they are in need, as that is what we are here for.

"We might have been able to give them more than they actually stole."

A police spokesperson said: "We received a report of a charity box being stolen from Aspire Ryde just after 10pm on Sunday night (December 8).

"Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference 44190442468."

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