CCTV cameras have caught the moment a thief smashed his way into a DIY store before stealing six charity boxes from the counter.

The raider broke into the Village DIY store in Church Street, Little Lever, in the early hours of Saturday morning — using a large stone to break a laminate window before entering the building.

The shop is owned by Ismail Bargit, who also runs a security firm, Atom Security, from the premises, and his CCTV cameras captured the thug during his early-hours raid.

The thief can be seen hanging around the area, looking around to see if anyone is coming, before launching the stone through the window and crawling inside.

Shortly afterwards he is viewed climbing out of the window carrying a plastic bag containing the charity boxes.

Police are continuing to search for the man, who is of medium build and was wearing a black Adidas tracksuit with white stripes on the trousers and white trainers — but his face cannot be made out clearly.

Mr Bargit said the local community had condemned the actions of the thief, who stole charity boxes in aid of causes including the North West Air Ambulance and the Gaza relief fund.

It is believed that one of the boxes had up to £100 inside.

He said: “Since Saturday there have been a lot of customers saying how unhappy they are with what has happened. Everyone agrees it is really wrong.

“We have had break ins and shoplifting before but this is a bit different, the fact that he took charity boxes is much more hurtful I think.”

Mr Bargit also expressed surprise that the thief chose to ignore thousands of pounds worth of equipment in the store, choosing only to steal the charity boxes.

He said: “He had a bag with him and so I think he knew what he was after.”

Mr Bargit said that a customer who has seen the video believes he recognises the thief.

Police, who were called to the scene on Saturday morning and took forensic evidence including a footprint left by the thief, are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “We are still investigating this incident and would urge anyone who knows anything about it to come forward and contact us by calling 101.”