Charity Donation Boxes and Cigarettes Stolen in Waterside Shop Burglary

A local business in the Waterside area of Derry has been targeted in a heartless burglary where charity donation boxes and a quantity of cigarettes were stolen. The incident occurred overnight and was reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Burglars forced entry into the commercial premises, ransacking the counters and stealing several charity collection boxes containing donations from local patrons. In addition to the charity boxes, the thieves took a significant stock of cigarettes before escaping. The loss of the charity boxes, which contained funds meant for local community causes, has sparked widespread anger and condemnation in the area.

Police have launched a full investigation, conducting local enquiries and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. "Stealing charity boxes is a particularly low act that directly hurts local community groups and those in need," said a PSNI officer. Police are urging anyone who was in the Waterside area on the night of May 27 or early hours of May 28 and saw anything suspicious, or motorists with dash-cam footage, to contact the PSNI on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.