Poppy Appeal collection boxes stolen (From Cotswold Journal)

Poppy Appeal collection boxes stolen Bourton Chipping Campden

12:14pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in News

POPPY Appeal charity collection boxes have been stolen in a spate of ‘despicable’ thefts across the Cotswolds.

Three charity boxes were stolen across the area on Monday, one from the Post Office in Chipping Campden High Street, one from a shop in Market Place Northleach and one from a pub in Sherbourne Street, Bourton.

The offender in these incidents is described as a white man, aged in his late fities or early sixties; around 6ft 2inches tall which grey collar length hair. He was wearing a medium length green wax style country jacket, a flat green cap and blue jumper.

Meanwhile, on the same day at around 5.45pm, a Poppy Appeal charity collection box was stolen from a service station at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury.

The offender, who appears to be wearing a poppy himself, walked into the premises, removed the cable that was securing the box and stole it.

Inspector Owen Hughes said: “This is a despicable crime, It is hard to comprehend how anyone can think it is acceptable to steal from any charity. This money has been donated by people for an incredibly worthy cause and we are committed to finding those individuals responsible.”

Anyone who has information on the thefts should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.