Gardaí in Dublin are searching for thieves who stole €100,000 worth of coins from the Pennies from Heaven charity.
Gardaí from Kilmainham say over £80,000 in old punt and sterling coins was taken from the organisation's counting centre in Clancy Barracks, Islandbridge, Dublin 8. The robbery took place between 2.45 and 3.45 a.m. today.
Three culprits - one armed with a shotgun - broke into the premises,overpowered two security staff members, and tied them up. They were notinjured.
The robbers then broke into the office and stole the coins.
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They took £46,000 worth of £1 coins, £10,000 worth of 50p coins and £25,000 in 20p sterling coins.
The charity was set up to collect old coins after the euro changeover at the beginning of the year.