POLICE say the theft of a charity box from Ferryhill Library was a despicable act and are appealing for witnesses.
The opportunist thief stole a cancer charity box containing about £50 in £1 coins from the library at about 6.30pm on Monday.
He had been in the library for about three hours before taking the box. He ran off over fields at the back of Ferryhill WMC and took a route which is well used by local people to walk their dogs.
The man is described as being in his late teens or early 20s, about 5ft 11in tall, of thin build and with light brown stubble. He was wearing a read woolen hat and green Parker-type jacket.
Police believe he may be connected to other offences committed in the area in the previous 24 hours.
PC Andy Metcalfe of Ferryhill Police said: "This was a quite despicable theft.
"He appeared to be waiting for an opportunity and struck just before the library closed."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Metcalfe on (01740) 651204, or DC Ian Whittaker on (01325) 314401.
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