Poppy box thefts ‘like spitting on graves’
The theft of seven poppy collection boxes in just seven days has been branded 'despicable' by the former secretary of a Royal British Legion Club who has branded the thefts like 'spitting on a war hero's grave.'
The charity collection boxes have been stolen from premises across the Wednesfield, The Scotlands and city centre areas of the city in the last week.
Premises that have reported the thefts so far are Ocean Breeze fish and chip shop based in Wood End, the One Stop Shop also in Wood End, CM Biddle & Co opticians in Wednesfield and the King Fryer in Wednesfield.
There was also thefts reported in Greggs based on Cannock Road and across the road at Martin McColl newsagents.
A theft was also reported at the Premier Inn based on Broad Gauge Way in the city centre.
The boxes had only been at each premises for two weeks when they were taken.
One was stolen with such force, from the newsagents, that the thieves tore the security chain off the box in their haste to get away.
A total of two of the thefts happened on the same day at around the same time.
The theft of the box at Ocean Breeze chip shop and the Premier Inn both took place on Saturday evening.
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Representatives from the Royal British Legion have expressed their disgust at the thefts which they say would have seen the perpetrators only get away with around £300-£500 in total.
Former secretary John Bolger of the Wednesfield and Woodend Royal British Legion said: "It is an absolutely despicable act.
"Our poppy appeal organiser Alan Evans works tirelessly to place hundreds of these boxes out every year ahead of the Remembrance events and walks to get them where they need to be.
"We just want people who have the collection boxes at their premises to be vigilant and secure their boxes as much as they can.
"It's not so much the money lost, money that would go to support families of veterans who gave their lives for us, it's the principle.
"It really is like spitting on a war hero's grave."
Councillor Phil Bateman, Labour councillor for Wednesfield North, said: "These are truly dreadful thefts.
"It would be a tragedy if they were to deter people from giving to such a longstanding and respected charitable campaign.
"The campaign is a reflection of how we feel 100 years on from the First World War and it is devastating to think that this has happened in just seven days.
"I would urge people to keep watch over their charity boxes and I hope the police are able to act on this quickly."
MP for Wolverhampton South East, Pat McFadden said: “It’s hard to think of much that is lower than stealing poppy collection boxes.
"The money raised at this time of year goes to help those who have served our country and put their lives on the line for us.
"Remembrance Sunday brings the community together like no other event in the year and to see it undermined and disrespected like this is absolutely appalling."
