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A Halesowen charity shop is installing a security camera after callous thieves took the store's much loved mascot.

Staff at Scope were "shocked" and "sickened" when its interactive chimpanzee mascot was snatched.

The popular toy was attached to the till by fishing wire and it is thought it was taken while staff were restocking the store.

Manager June James said because staff were so upset she has purchased another one at a cost of £24.99 - this time with a chain and padlock.

And shop volunteer Gordon Evans is shelling out £30 to install a camera over the till to prevent another theft.

June said: "I was horrified - the interactive chimpanzee was loved by staff and customers.

"We are still in a state of shock that someone could be as low as to steal him from a charity shop when he has given so much pleasure to everyone.

"It sickens us all that someone could stoop so low.

"It may have just been a toy to them but to us it was a hell of a lot more."

It is thought the chimpanzee was taken some time between 11am and noon on Friday May 2.

June said staff at the store had not informed police of the theft and that no-one saw anything.

What do you think about the mascot theft? Post a comment.

4:07pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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