CAROL singers prised a doorbell off a woman’s home after she refused to pay them.

For the second time in a week, residents have reported thefts to police after they refused to pay singers.

One resident was targeted in Charles Street in Weymouth this weekend after refusing to pay the doorstep singers.

A group of teenagers also stole the doorbell from a house on Portland.

They rang the bell of Heather Wright, 68, and sang We Wish you a Merry Christmas but after being asked to sing a proper carol they said they admitted they did not know any.

Mrs Wright, of Sweethill Lane, Portland, decided not pay the boys and told them to come back nearer Christmas and try again.

She said: “I told them that I wanted a proper carol and that they should learn one and come back so I shut my door.

“The next thing I knew they were giggling and I heard some noise.

“When I looked outside I realised they had wrenched my bell push from the wall and I couldn’t believe it.”

She added: “Not only is it disrespectful to me but they can’t even sing and they’re asking for money.

“They put out their hands and ask for money and I never ever thought carol singers would do anything like this and I’ve lived here for 25 years.”

Mrs Wright has now replaced the doorbell.

PC Kevin Eames of Weymouth and Portland said that residents should report the criminal damage if it happens to them by calling 01305 222222.

* If this has happened to you contact Miriam Phillips on miriam.phillips@dorsetecho.co.uk or call 01305 830985.