A BUSINESSMAN in Newton Abbot who helped a crime victim by replacing his charity cash losses has also been on the receiving end of theft... to the tune of £70,000, writes Paul James.

Only last week. scrap metal boss Russell Toghill refunded £100 which thieves stole from a Help for Heroes collection tin due to be picked up by Ashburton volunteer Dave Hodge-Brooks.

Just days later professional thieves struck at his Gormans scrap metal yard at Harlington Works, Kingsteignton Road, and escaped with 25 tonnes of chrome brass taps by using the company's 'grab' to hoist the haul over a security fence on to an awaiting articulated lorry.