Charity Rowers Cash Stolen

A callous thief has stolen £200 cash donated to help Atlantic rowers raise more funds for charity.The collecting jar was stolen from Park Road Stores in Fowey last week by a young man who was wearing a 'hoodie'.

Shop assistant James Barker bravely chased after the thief, but gave up after 200 yards when threatened with a rock.

The donations were given to support Fowey rowers Nick Histon and John Csehi take part in their Atlantic rowing challenge later this year.

The pair are very angry that someone could be so heartless as to steal money given by generous local people in support of a good cause.

Nick said: "We're devastated and very angry as the £200 could have bought a piece of survival equipment.

"The local fund-raising and support that people have given to us is much appreciated and very important to us - without it we couldn't hope to raise the money we want to raise for the National Society for Epilepsy and Cancer Research UK."

Nick and John have dreamed of taking part in the 2007 Atlantic Rowing Race for more than ten years.

They hope to set out with up to 40 others from the Canary Islands on the 2,500 mile trip in their two-man 23ft boat in November, with the aim of arriving in Antigua 50 to 60 days later.

Police have studied closed circuit television footage from Park Road Stores but have so far been unable to identify the thief.

Police Community Support Officer for Fowey, Linda Thomas, said: "If anyone has any information that could lead us to the suspect, please telephone St Blazey Police Station to let us know."

PCSO Thomas said the theft highlights the need for a Shopwatch scheme, which she hopes will soon be resurrected in the town.

The scheme, to be presented to the Chamber of Commerce later this month, is a cascade telephone warning system which would quickly alert retailers to criminal or suspicious behaviour.

"There are now at least 42 shops in Fowey and they would all benefit from Shopwatch. Similar schemes have been run successfully in the past.

But there are now several new businesses in town and the time is right for a relaunch," she said.

PCSO Thomas said of the incident: "The shop assistant in this case was very brave, which is commendable, but he was threatened and we don't want anyone to get hurt."

* Anyone with any information regarding the theft is asked to telephone St Blazey Police Station on 01726 812262 and speak to the officer on duty.