A restaurant owner was "disgusted" to discover thieves had broken into his business and ransacked the building, before making off with charity money.
Sadik Kamaly, who lives in Oldham but owns the Spice Inn in Rainhill, said he received a call from the pub next door on February 22 informing him they had been victim of a "horrible crime".
Upon making his way back to the Rainhill restaurant, he discovered thieves had broken the window to gain entry through the front door and had taken two tablets used to make payments as well as around £100 of charity money.
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He told the ECHO : "We don't live near there but we had a call saying there had been a theft and when we got there we checked the CCTV.
"They got in through the front door after breaking the window.
"They even tried to take the system but failed to take it off. We had a charity box which we collect money for every couple of months and they took everything, leaving just a few pennies.
"They'd tried to get into the pub next door because it's one building but the pub alarm went off and they ran off.
"I was shocked to be honest and disgusted anyone could do that."
Sadik said the business has been open for around ten years and this is the first time they've experienced such an "horrific incident".
He added: "The pub itself has experienced a few issues over the years but this is the first time someone has tried anything so horrific here.
"I'd urge people to remain vigilant. If they've targeted my place they will target more places.
"Whether people are struggling I don't know but it's not the best thing to so. It's not just businesses this can happen to.
"Be very careful, lock your doors and windows. If this can happen to me it can happen again and it can happen to anyone."
Taking to social media to raise awareness of the crime, hundreds of people commented their support.
One user said: "So sorry to hear this."
Another added: "Sorry to read this. Absolutely awful."
Merseyside Police is appealing for information following a report of a burglary at a pub in Rainhill on Tuesday 22 February.
At around 4.55am officers attended the Coach and Horses pub on Ritherup Lane when the alarm was heard going off.
Police checked the premises and no one was located inside the building, and it was reported that money from a tin of petty cash was stolen. An investigation is now underway along with forensic and CCTV enquiries.
Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: “Business thefts are not victimless crimes, and especially small businesses that provide an important service for the community and are simply trying to earn a living.
"I am appealing to anyone who has information which can help with our enquiries to please contact us so we can bring the offenders to justice.”
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 22000128716.
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
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