Thieves broke into a cottage on Leighton Road in the village between 3pm and 4pm yesterday by forcing a door.

They made off with a haul of property after making an untidy search of rooms throughout the premises.

Among the stolen items were 23 cheques made out to Help for Heroes totalling £8,000 collected from a fund-raising event at the weekend.

Also taken were a box of 12-bore shotgun cartridges, six silver topped antique perfume bottles, a Canon digital camera, a man’s Omega watch with a gold face and brown leather strap and a Compac lap top computer.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “This burglary happened in broad daylight yesterday afternoon and an appeal is made for information from anyone who spotted suspicious activity in the locality. The number to call at Shrewsbury police station is 0300 333 3000.

“We would also like to hear from anyone approached with a number of cheques for Help for Heroes in what appear to be strange or dubious circumstances.”

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.