A CHARITY collection box at Marion’s hair salon on The Square in Liphook was snatched in broad daylight by a brazen thief who simply walked in off the street and grabbed the cash.

The man parked his bicycle outside the salon, walked in and helped himself to the charity box, as well as a money pot standing on the counter, when staff were busy.

The shameful crook got away with £160 and owner Marion Dennison said: “We are really upset by this incident. My colleague had popped upstairs and in that time a man helped himself to the money in a Macmillan charity collection box as well as my grandson’s money pot.

“The man had been riding a white bike and parked it outside when he came into the salon. He was wearing a blue jacket and white trainers. We did capture him on our CCTV camera and have passed everything on to the police.”

But even after the despicable crime the salon is still going ahead with a raffle and joint coffee morning with the cafe next door, at 26 The Square, next Friday, September 29.

All money raised will go to Macmillan.

The man was spotted on his bike in the Methodist Church car park on London Road at 10.15am on September 18.

According to an eyewitness, he put his bike next to the wall and went up to a car, checking if it was unlocked and then tried another. When spotted, he quickly jumped on his bike and rode off toward The Square.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.