The break-in at Gloucester House, Norman Way, run by Age Concern, happened between Thursday night and Saturday morning after staff had left for the Easter holidays.

Roy Holland, Melton's Age Concern manager, said: "A window to the office was smashed and they got their hands on two little collection boxes. In terms of the money in there I think it probably adds up to less than £10, but it will cost us well over £100 to get the window repaired.

"It's a bit sad really, it's another £100 on something we didn't want to spend money, which is to the detriment of people who use Gloucester House."

Sgt Darren Burton, of Melton Police, said: "It's fairly unusual for someone to break a window to get money out of a collection box like that. It doesn't seem to matter to some criminals what they are attacking."

Officers are appealing for anyone with information on the incident to call (0116) 222 2222. Key in ID number 6027 to leave a message for PCSO Natalie Oliver.