Staff and members of an East Hampshire golf club have been left shocked and appalled after cash intended for a cancer charity was stolen by a masked burglar.

Easter is meant to be celebration of hope and new life – but the Bank Holiday weekend only brought shock and disappointment to Four Marks Golf Club as a burglar helped himself to collection boxes and donations.

The culprit got into the clubhouse after breaking a window around half past midnight on Easter Sunday.

Police have been sent CCTV images with the masked and gloved man appearing to scope out the venue before breaking in.

“We locked up as usual and when we came back in the morning we didn’t immediately notice there had been a break-in until we went inside and saw the window was smashed,” said manager, Mandy Channon.

“They broke through the window to search for anything they could steal.

“They targeted our Macmillan charity pot and swear jar as there was no money in the front desk as we don’t ever leave any money in.”

She added: “We are totally shocked and we just can’t believe why someone would do it – we have no idea how much money is in the pots.”

The club have been in touch with their insurers while they’ve asked any nearby residents with possible CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward and help police with their investigation.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “Between 12.30am and 1am on Monday, April 6, there was a break-in at Four Marks Golf Club where a window was smashed.

“Alcohol and a charity collection jar were stolen from the premises and enquiries are ongoing.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the burglary should contact Hampshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 44260159998 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”