Callous thieves have been accused of “taking food from the mouths of animals” by stealing hundreds of pounds from an animal charity.

The RSPCA’s Burnley branch, on St James’ Lane, was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday morning (August 2).

Their collection box, which contained a “small amount” of money, and around £600 worth of walkie talkies and radios, which they use to communicate with one another on the shop floor, were taken.

James Stevens, chief executive officer of RSPCA Lancs East branch, said: “It’s the last thing you want to wake up to on a Wednesday morning.

“They have literally taken the money out of our hands and food out of the mouths of animals by doing this.

“I am so annoyed and upset because we are trying to do our best to help animals that have been hurt and damaged by mankind.

“For someone to steal this money used to help them is really upsetting, frustrating and annoying.”

James called the thieves “callous”.

He said: “I don’t know what motivates those people. They must totally lack compassion for what we are trying to do.

“They have no empathy and they are disgraceful.”

The RSPCA’s Clitheroe branch closed earlier this year and the Burnley branch has recently been closed for refurbishments.

James said the team needs funds now more than ever.

He said: “This has been so upsetting for staff and volunteers.

“The Burnley branch has been closed recently for refurbishments and we closed our Clitheroe shop earlier this year, so we are even more reliant on funds from this shop.

“We are trying to do our best to help animals that have been hurt and damaged by mankind.

“We would also be grateful for any further help, support and donations, to help us rebuild what has been lost.

“If anyone has information please pass in onto police. We would be extremely grateful. We want to recover the stolen items.”

If you have any information call 101 quoting reference: 04/127857/23.