THIEVES have helped themselves to donations made to Dawlish pet foodbank.

Several boxes of food destined for pets in need in the town went missing from a donation drop off box intended to go to the charity Dawlish Pet Pantry.

The drop off point at Costcutter was targeted sometime on Saturday February 8 or Sunday February 9.

About £18 worth of much-needed cat and dog food had been donated and dropped off on Saturday afternoon by a generous Dawlish resident.

Julie-Ann Marshall, from Dawlish Pet Pantry, said: ‘The donation had disappeared by Sunday.

‘This was devastating for Dawlish Pet Pantry as we rely on donations to help feed local pets.

‘We need food donations and as-new dog and cat toys, coats, blankets and towels, and harnesses.

'Thank you Jo at Dawlish Costcutters for offering to move our donation box nearer to the till.

‘Donations have gone missing before, but mostly treats and individual tins.’