At around 5.10pm on Tuesday 19 February, a man was seen to enter Electro Vapors on Stanley Road and, while staff were not in attendance, a charity box was stolen, belonging to Merseyside Dogs Trust in Huyton and containing an unknown amount of money.

A CCTV appeal was issued to local media and last week, a man was arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of heroin.

Last week, 29-year-old Sean Clamp from Bank Road in Bootle appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court and was sentenced to four weeks imprisonment and asked to pay compensation.

Sergeant Jenni Bowman said: "We're pleased to see that Clamp has been identified and dealt with by the courts.

"Stealing from anyone is unacceptable, but to take from a charity is utterly contemptible and I’m sure the community will share our outrage. Keep coming forward with information and we will keep taking positive action."

Anyone with information on suspected theft is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.