Crooks targeted the clothing bin in the upmarket suburb Clarkston, in East Renfrewshire, stealing clothes donated by big-hearted locals.

The container is used to raise cash for Capability Scotland, which supports disabled children and adults across the country.

The bin, near Clarkston Library, was raided in the early hours of Monday.

Richard Hamer, Capability Scotland's director of external affairs, said: "We have had an ongoing problem with people trying to break into the textile bank in Clarkston.

"The attempted break-ins are very distressing.

"We would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support and reassure them that we are taking every measure possible to prevent these crimes from taking place."

Clothes bank robbers are known to sell on stolen items son market stalls, to "cash for clothes" companies, in car-boot sales, and on eBay.

The average bag of donated clothes generates around £7 for charities. Stealing whole bins of clothes can net thousands of pounds a year for thieves.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police, said: The incident is understood to have taken place overnight between Sunday and Monday.

"We would ask any witnesses, or anyone with any information, to contact Giffnock Police Office on 0141 532 5700."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk