A man has been arrested after a series of "callous" charity box thefts.

PC Mark Charlton, a Hastings beat officer, discovered a number of charity boxes had been stolen from businesses in the area.

Enquiries revealed that four premises had been targeted between June 12 and June 23 - the Royal Standard Pub, The Bourne Florist, Pet Express and the Hastings Fishing Museum.

A 44-year old man from St Leonards was arrested on July 9 for theft and has been released on bail until July 31.

PC Charlton said: "To steal a charity box is a callous thing to do. The money is donated by good hearted people to go towards a good cause.

"I am concerned that there may be other victims of charity box theft who haven't reported this to us. I would actively encourage any victim of this crime to report this either by calling 101 or emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 0827 of 27/06."