KENDAL police are warning the town's shopkeepers to be vigilant following a spate of charity box thefts.

It follows a recent spate of thefts from shops and the taking of a box containing £80 in cash from Specsavers, in Stricklandgate, Kendal.

Inspector Denis Readhead said: "We are very concerned about the theft of charity boxes and would like members of the public who find empty boxes to contact us."