Staff at the Victoria Centre have hinted changes could be made to the fountain of the Emett Clock - days after footage appeared to show two men climb into the fountain and remove pennies donated to charity. Both police and staff at the shopping centre are investigating after a video was shared on social media which appeared to show two men fishing coins from the fountain.
Officials at the shopping centre have since said they are looking at ways to keep donations safe, suggesting changes could be made to the fountain. In a statement, a spokesperson for the shopping centre said: "Although this was an isolated incident, we are looking at ways to ensure our shoppers can continue to make their 'penny wishes', while keeping their donations safe at the same time.”
Though details of any changes remain unclear at this time. The clock is on the second floor of the shopping centre - and money donated in the fountain goes to food banks across the city. Police are investigating and reviewing CCTV footage. But no arrests have been made in connection with the incident as of Wednesday (December 21).
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The Victoria Centre spokesperson added: “Like many other people, we were both shocked and saddened by the incident that happened in the centre at the weekend. For decades, our shoppers have supported the vital work of local charities by making ‘penny wishes’ in the fountain of the Emmett Clock. Our current chosen charity, Hope Nottingham, receives all of the donations we collect.
"Its team supports 14 food banks across the city, making their work - particularly at the moment - vital. And those services can only operate due to the generosity of others.
“It has been upsetting for everyone to see the kindness of our shoppers, and the important services that Hope Nottingham provides, treated with such disregard by the individuals involved. Nottinghamshire Police are currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage."
The incident reportedly happened at 6pm on Saturday (December 17). Nottinghamshire Police said that anyone with further information about the incident should get in touch. Those who can assist the investigation are asked to call 101 and quote incident number 22*739034.
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