CHARITY fundraisers have praised generous donors who gave money to help injured war heroes after their collection bucket was stolen.

A hooded yob stole donations for forces’ charity Help For Heroes from a Christmas light show staged by Martin and Debbie Scarrott at their home in North Way, Barton, before Christmas.

The Oxford Mail printed the story featuring a CCTV image of the thief, and, since then, Mrs and Mrs Scarrott said they had been “overwhelmed” by peoples’ generosity.

Now the couple have handed over a cheque for £187 to Help For Heroes.

Last night, disabled Mr Scarrott, 45, said: “It would have been a lot more if the person hadn’t stolen the bucket. The police are still looking for the culprit. I just want to thank all the people who donated money both before and after the bucket was stolen. We received a £50 donation from an anonymous businessman, a £20 cheque from some staff at Oxfordshire County Council and £50 from Fabia Cerra, the Britain’s Got Talent burlesque dancer.

“We also had £34 from the Oxford Stingray Disability Club from their Christmas party.

“It was a despicable crime but this is still a nice amount. I have spoken to the charity and they are disgusted with the crime.”

The couple had chained the bucket to their garden fence in the hope passing motorists and pedestrians would donate cash.

They spent hundreds of pounds lighting up their ground-floor flat and garden with Christmas lights, a snowman, reindeer, and plastic penguin.

The father-of-two said he will put the bucket out next Christmas and has a few tricks up his sleeve for any would-be thief.

He said: “We are not going to let them ruin it this year.

“We are going to have a pipe connected to the fence and it will come down the garden into a box protected by metal casing, which will be locked.

“People can then put the money down the tube. I don’t think anyone will try to steal the money from there.”

An Oxford City Council street warden found the bucket, which was stolen on Monday, December 13, but no money was recovered.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Victoria Brandon said no arrests had been made and police were still appealing for information and witnesses.

Anyone with information should call the force on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk