A spate of charity box thefts has left collectors despondent in the run-up to Christmas.

Most recent was a malicious attack on a Winchester home bedecked with festive lights and figurines.

Jim and Wendy Ward, of Sheridan Close, Winchester, were horrified to find that vandals had stolen their charity box and cut the wire on their garden lights. "Whoever did this must be the lowest of the low. It's absolutely staggering," said 64-year-old Jim.

The box, for the Royal Hants County Hospital's cancer research, contained about £50.

And Weeke newsagents, Forbuoys, had a box go from under their noses when it vanished from the counter.

Manager, Julie Sinacola, said: "When the lady came to collect it, it was gone. I've no idea what happened to it."

Candy Nichols, treasurer of Winchester's Cancer Research said: "We seem to be having a few of those occurrences--they've suddenly started happening. People have had the gall to walk in and say they are from Cancer Research and take the charity boxes."

She cited two other occasions, one atWeeke's Threshers and one at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital reception, where brazen thieves stole collecting tins during busy moments.

The problem seems to be without solution.

"I don't know what we can do," said Mrs Nichols. "People are very clever and they have the necessary tools to cut chains that might be on the boxes. They are determined to do it.

"I think what we'll have to do is devise an alarm for the boxes so they can protect themselves if they're moved or disturbed."