Victims 'bitter' at Christmas savings cash theft

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-20692049

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Victims of a Christmas savings club theft in Wiltshire have spoken of their "bitterness" at the loss of the money.

More than £20,000 was taken from the Royal Oak pub in Shrewton where the money was collected during the year to spend over the festive season.

Landlord Malcolm Levesconte, 59, has also been missing since Sunday.

Shrewton resident Richard Rose said he and his wife Geraldine had paid about £700 into the fund. He said their Christmas has been "ruined".

He said the money was going to be spent on presents and socialising over the festive period.

"Now we can't do nothing. We feel very bitter," he said.

Officers from Wiltshire Police believe Mr Levesconte boarded a ferry at Portsmouth on Sunday evening bound for St Malo in France.

Police believe between 20 and 30 thousand pounds, which had been paid into the fund by customers, has been stolen.