Crime does not pay, charity worker advises ‘scumbag’ as she donates �50 to replace cash stolen from Chippy Joe’s.

The “wicked” person who stole charity tins during a burglary at a Honiton fish and chip shop must be shown that crime does not pay.

That is the sentiment of tireless charity worker Carol Gilson, who today (Thursday) gave �50 to help replace money stolen from Chippy Joe’s in New Street.

The donation was on behalf of the Joe Gilson Mobility Scheme, which Carol founded in memory of her late husband, and will go to Children’s Hospice South West.

A cheque for the amount was presented to chip shop owner Joe Gamlen by Midweek Herald editor Belinda Bennett at lunchtime.

Carol said she had decided to make the donation “to let the wicked person who stole the charity boxes know that crime does not pay”.

Mr Gamlen has dubbed the thief a “scumbag” and is offering an undisclosed reward for information about the crook’s identity.

Carol has a mobility scooter to give away to a deserving recipient.

It has been donated to the Joe Gilson Mobility Scheme by Sue Swindale in memory of her late mother. In last week’s Herald it was incorrectly reported that Sue’s donation had already been found a new home.

In fact, the 26th mobility aid to be given away by the scheme, an electric wheelchair, was donated by TRIP Community Transport Association and presented to an eight-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer.

The mobility scheme is run in conjunction with the Midweek Herald.

If you know someone who could do with a mobility aid, write to Belinda Bennett, Midweek Herald. Fair Oak Close, Exeter Airport Business Park, Clyst Honiton EX5 2UL.