A CANCER charity boss has blasted thieves as the lowest of the low' after they stole the contents of a donation jar.

Peter Hearne, general manager of CancerCare, is fuming after the break-in at Slynedales, on Slyne Road, Lancaster.

Burglars smashed through a security door and took the contents of the jar at around 9.30pm on Wednesday.

"I am not usually the sort of person who gets angry or annoyed but I am still fuming about this," says Mr Hearne.

"The people who carry out this sort of crime are the lowest of the low it is despicable that anyone would steal from charity.

"We do not know how much was in the jar but it was due for emptying so there would be several hundred pounds.

"A lot of gift aid envelopes were there and the people who did this must have planned it because the money is very heavy. They must have thought of how to get in and also how to take it away."

Thieves hurled a brick through a wired glass security door before making their way to the reception counter, where the jar is kept. They then took all the money out before fleeing.

"It happened in a matter of minutes and it is a real blow," says Mr Hearne.

"Obviously the donation jar is not our main source of income but it is wrong and we are still waiting for the repair bill for the door.

"It is an horrendous thing to do. I find it hard to believe that anyone could do this.

"The money is donated by visitors or people in here and I think a lot of them like to contribute.

"All of our services are free but that is not to say they do not cost and that's how the donation cash would be used.

"I would really like to see the people responsible caught."

A police spokesman confirmed an investigation is continuing.