“Callous” thieves should reflect on how their crimes could affect members of their own families after stealing money meant for a local hospice, a cricket club chairman has said.

Burglars demolished a brick wall at the South Loughton Cricket Club pavilion on Tuesday night (August 25) and stole food, alcohol and a collection box meant for St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, which cares for people with life limiting and terminal illnesses.

The food and drink had been intended for an open day at the club in Roding Road on Monday.

Club chairman Andrew Shields branded the theft of the full collection box “despicable”.

He said: “The hole in the wall can be repaired and food and drink can be replaced but stealing from a charity is particularly despicable.

“We are a volunteer organisation who provide sporting opportunities for local people.

“We also want to help others, and we have a personal connection with St Clare Hospice through one of our members.

“Perhaps the thieves would like to reflect on their crime if a member of their own family falls gravely ill.”

St Clare Hospice community fundraiser Dani De’ath said: “We were saddened to hear about the break in at South Loughton Cricket Club and the theft of a St Clare collection tin.

“It is so upsetting to think that anyone would be heartless or desperate enough to steal money that has been donated by local people to a local charity.

“St Clare relies on the generosity of the community to provide the vital funds we need to improve the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses.

“We just wish that the culprits could see the difference St Clare makes to someone’s life, someone who could be a relative or friend of theirs.

“Then maybe, just maybe, they would think twice about what they are doing.”

The cricket club and the South Loughton Old Walkers' Club (SLOWS), also based at the pavilion, have raised funds for the hospice for several years.

The demolished wall has now been repaired and the club is planning to go ahead with its open day and barbecue from midday on Monday.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police are investigating a break in which occurred at the cricket pavilion in Roding Road, Loughton.

“The building was broken into on Tuesday, August 25.

“A number of items were stolen including alcohol, soft drinks and confectionery which were stored in the kitchen area.

“Anybody with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101.

“People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”