POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a day care centre for the elderly was reportedly burgled in Dartford.

A break-in was reported to have taken place at the Milan day centre in Invicta Hall, Westgate Road, between 5pm on January 16 and 9am the following day.

A charity collection box in form of a whiskey bottle was thought to have contained £500 as users of the centre had been contributing towards for weeks.

A payphone and a Wii Console were among the items taken.

Investigating officer DC Christopher Mason, of Kent Police, said: "It is despicable that this day centre has been targeted. It provides a real boost to vulnerable members of the community, many of whom have been left extremely distressed by the incident.

"The fact the money stolen was intended for charity compounds the blow for people who use the facility. The charity box was a very large whiskey bottle, so it is quite distinctive and I am hoping members of the public might be able to help us trace it.

"I'd urge anyone with information to get in touch with me as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact DC Mason at Kent Police quoting crime reference XY/001874/14 or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.