The theft of the Tauranga Art Gallery donation box contents has surprised staff for two reasons: the small amount of cash available probably about $20, and the age of the alleged thieves.

'It's a small box and we empty it pretty much every day,” says gallery marketing and media coordinator, Martine Rolls.

Have you seen these men? Photos: Tauranga Art Gallery Facebook.

'We are talking maybe a handful of change, maybe $20 at the most.

'And also they are not kids. They look like men in their 30s, it's hard to say - but I don't get why people still do things like this.

Martine is baffled why any would do anything like this in this day and age of security cameras.

The two men believed to be responsible for stealing the donation box contents are clearly visible and recognisable to those that know them, in security camera footage.

'Initially we weren't really keen to do it,” says Martine about posting the photos on Facebook. 'But a lot of people don't realise that we are a non-profit organisation and we do rely on donations.

'Some of the comments say that they have been stealing from other businesses, and one of the comments says the guy looking straight at the camera is a well-known shop lifter, but we haven't got a name to the face yet.”

Police have been contacted.

Anyone who recognises either of the two men are asked to contact Tauranga police, or contact them on Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.

The gallery posted the photos on Tuesday and in 24 hours had more than 500 shares.