A MAN has been charged with the burglary of a fancy dress shop in which £50 worth of coins and a safe were stolen.

Unemployed William Piper, of no fixed address, is appearing in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court today charged with the burglary of South Coast Costumes at Circus Parade in New England Road, Brighton, overnight between Wednesday November 11 and Thursday November 12.

A bag containing £50 in coins, and a small portable safe containing about £50 cash and some paperwork, were taken.

The safe was later found abandoned on a construction site in nearby Stroudley Street after it had been broken into and the contents had gone.

Piper, 22, is also charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine, and with possession of a 3" bladed knife.

He was arrested shortly after midnight on Sunday after police went to an address in Shanklin Road, Brighton.