Fury after callous thieves escape with cash from Ribble Valley farm shop's honesty box

Police are appealing for information after the theft at The Milking Parlour and CCTV footage is being examined to catch the culprits.

In a Facebook post, a spokesman for the rural business, which sells milk, milkshakes, local cheeses, eggs and butter, expressed their dismay. "To say we are feeling disheartened would be an understatement...if anyone has any information then please let us know. This afternoon it was brought to our attention by a friend in the village, that our red honesty box had been taken, emptied of money and thrown into a bush on Crow Trees Estate!

"A couple of years ago, we had our sign taken from the bottom of Wesley Street and it was never returned!

"Seriously is this necessary?! This is not something we like to post about, we are honest people and make an honest living. If our honesty box system can’t be trusted, it will be taken away, leaving just the two vending machines as our only options.

"We will also be looking into getting CCTV in the shed...but it’s not something we wanted to do, like we’ve said, we wanted an honesty approach - it’s the way we operate in everyday life and what our work ethic is based around. If you have any information or would indeed like to return the money to us, please get in touch."

PCSO Katie Ferguson, of Ribble Valley Police, added: "Local businesses need more support than ever with recent events. Let's not make it harder work for them. If anyone does have an information in relation to this matter crime report 04/41652/21 refers and I can be contacted via [email protected]."