Poppy collection box stolen from Rushden home of Royal British Legion member

The collection box and its contents were stolen from the home of one of the town’s Royal British Legion members who had been out collecting last Wednesday (November 2).

Members have been left disgusted by the theft and in disbelief that someone could do this, especially just a week before Remembrance Day.

A spokesman for the branch said: “We at Rushden’s branch of the Royal British Legion wish to express our utter disgust following the theft of a poppy collection box and its contents from a Legion member’s home.

“Whilst it was an exception to take the poppy collection box home this time, it was obvious that whoever saw the collector, who is well known in the town and seen every year standing outside the shops on the High Street, knew where he lived.

“By way of other activities he does, the collector always attracts great attention and as a result, donations from members of the public are unquestionably often more generous and plentiful.

“Those who donated last Wednesday in the High Street will be equally appalled that their donation has fallen into the wrong hands.

“RBL Rushden branch’s message to the perpetrators who broke in and took the money is this - theft is bad on any occasion, but to steal money donated from the public and collected for the purpose of helping our service personnel, veterans and their families and dependants in their moment of need, is both a heinous and sickening act, especially in this month of Remembrance.

“You cannot get any lower, your actions are despicable and you should be utterly ashamed of yourself.”

The spokesman added that the victim was out of his home at the time of the theft as he was doing more voluntary work for another organisation.

A spokesman for Northants Police said they are investigating the theft of a Poppy tin from a property in Rushden town centre, which took place sometime between 7.15pm on Wednesday and 9.30am the next day.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.