COLLECTION boxes and a tip jar were just some of the items which were stolen following a series of break-ins at popular food establishments in the town centre at the weekend.

Callous thieves broke into The Cottage on Church Street, Mike and Martha's on Winwick Street and Papa's on School Brow during the early hours of Sunday.

Martha Georgiou, who owns the fish and chip shop Mike and Martha's, on Winwick Street, said she was disgusted by the actions of those who broke into the premises.

She said: "In the 30 years we have been open, we have never been targeted. It is horrible and it made me feel sick."

It is understood that thieves used a concrete slab to break down the door of the popular takeaway some time between 4am and 8am.

Around £30 in cash was believed to have been stolen from the till as well as money from a collection box for the Samaritans and a tip jar.

The till was found abandoned outside the building and the door had been smashed to pieces.

"I have always felt safe here but now it has made me feel uncomfortable.

"It is the damage and the emotional toll it takes," she added.

Thieves also broke a window of The Cottage but did not enter the Indian restaurant, which has not suffered from a break-in for almost three years.

Manager Rofe Miah said he believed the thieves would have been deterred from stepping foot into the premises after noticing the CCTV system in operation.

"After they broke the window they would have seen the full CCTV and decided not to go further," he said.

Papa's fish and chips was also targeted and a Warrington Disability Partnership charity box taken but this had been dropped outside the premises.

The till was empty at the time of the break in.

Two men were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of the break-ins but have since been released on police bail.

Officers have confirmed that investigations are ongoing but they added that they are unable to comment further at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number CC15079599 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.