Children's cancer charity money stolen in West Hallam chippy raid

The manager of the West Hallam Fryer at The Dales Shopping Centre said it's left staff members feeling "annoyed, upset" and "like they're being watched".

In the early hours of Wednesday morning (7 August 2024), the fish and chip shop which sits alongside West Hallam Medical Centre and Tesco Express was reportedly hit with a burglary.

Derbyshire Police say they responded to a call at around 10:55 am - although the crime is suspected to have occurred earlier at 2:30 am.

On Facebook, the owners of the West Hallam Fryer told customers in a widely shared post that two individuals had broken into the premises, stole staff tips, and taken a charity tub intended for Ben's Den.

The manager at West Hallam Fryer asked us not to share their name, as they are worried about further action being taken against them by the people who committed the break-in.

They told Erewash Sound it was unusual for the village: "I've lived here a long time, and business-wise, I can't remember much ever happening. I've worked here a long time and there's never been anything like that."

Last year West Hallam only experienced eight burglaries within its parish boundaries.

The theft of the Ben's Den donation tub stood out to the chip shop's manager, who said "it's bad enough robbing the business, but to take charity money, it's just the lowest of the low."

It's also had a financial impact beyond what was taken from the tills, as the business has now purchased window blinds to obscure staff when they're handling money. They're also planning to purchase a front shutter.

But there's also been an outpour of support from the local community in response to the break-in, with the manager saying: "Local people and the customers that have come in have been very nice."

"They've messaged and asked us if there's anything we need, and expressed generally that they're shocked and disgusted."

In a statement, Derbyshire Police told us:

"We would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious or with any information which could help with our enquiries.

If you can help, please contact us on the details below with reference 24*469586:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website."