ALL too frequently the pages of this newspaper brings you details crimes in our district.

Unfortunately this week is no different.

Crooks targeted the Emporium in High Street, Maldon, and took cash from a charity tin.

Inside was proceeds from tickets sales for Maldon Rotary Club’s annual fireworks display.

The cash for the event, this weekend, is used to pay for fireworks with the remainder given to Rotary charities.

The fact these heartless thieves gave not a second thought to taking charity cash is beyond belief.

Desperate to not see the Rotary’s efforts hit by this crime, the Emporium owner Graham Powell has put his hand in his pocket to pay back the money lost.

The latest incident again raises the question about preventing crime in our district.

We are continually being told the police’s budget is stretched to the limit.

But those living in our towns and villages are sceptical about the force’s priorities in our area.

Until they see more bobbies on the beat, the perception will not change.