POLICE are hunting a thief who heartlessly stole a Royal British Legion poppy box from a Redditch shop just days before Remembrance Sunday.
The box, thought to contain about £100, was secured to the till with a cord at the Co-Op in Evesham Road, Crabbs Cross.
The cord was burnt through and the box stolen sometime between 6-9pm on Wednesday, November 7.
Local Policing Officer PC Rich Waterhouse said: "Thefts of charity boxes outrage and disgust right-minded members of the public at any time of year.
“It is particularly shocking that this theft happened days before Remembrance Sunday, and disappointing that someone would stoop so low as to steal cash donated to such a worthwhile cause.
"We want staff at other stores where there are poppy boxes and other collecting tins to be extra vigilant, and would warn anyone considering stealing money donated to charity to think twice, as it is a serious matter and offenders do go to jail for it.”
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact West Mercia Police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 352-s-081112 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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