BLATANT: CCTV footage shows theft of charity box from Guiseley Post Office

Images show two women taking the Yorkshire Air Ambulance tin – containing only about £5 – despite apparently noticing the presence of the cameras.

Now, at least ten people have come forward to identify them after the footage was released by Guiseley Post Office manager, Adeel Butt.

The women, thought to be in their 40s, can be clearly seen entering the building in Oxford Road at about 2.25pm on Friday.

One of them surreptitiously cuts the tie attached to the collection box before moving to another part of the counter to be served. Her accomplice then takes the box.

Mr Butt said: "She looks at the camera, she smiles a little and then takes it. I don't understand why.

"I have had ten phone calls today identifying them."

Mr Butt, who has passed the CCTV evidence and other information to the police, added: "One came up to the counter and got her handbag out. She looked as though she was getting something out of her handbag but had really cut the tie on the charity box.

"She then turned her attention to one of my colleagues asking for a balance."

While she was being served, the second woman moved in and picked up the box, before putting it into her own bag and leaving the shop.

He said the box only contained about £5 and had never been taken before.

He added: "It shows how low people can sink – it's quite shocking."

Staff posted the CCTV footage online when they became aware the box had been stolen.

West Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is investigating the case.