Thieves sought after spate of poppy tin thefts in Solihull

Despite Remembrance Day approaching and this year being the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One – thieves are stealing poppy tins in Solihull.

Police have released CCTV footage of two men – one of whom wears a distinctive deerstalker hat – who officers suspect are behind the spate of thefts, after seven collection boxes were targeted in two days.

Around 11.35am on Monday 27th October, two men walked into Meriden Tea Rooms on Fillongley Road. One of them concealed the poppy tin on the counter under his jacket before walking out of the café with it. They were then seen getting into a green coloured car – possibly a Ford Focus.

At around 2.00pm, a poppy collection tin was stolen from Balsall Common Pharmacy after a man walked in and placed it in a plastic bag.

Later that day at around 6.30pm, a man entered One Stop in Knowle and tried to steal a poppy tin by cutting the string attaching it to the counter.

However, a member of staff caught him in the act and he then left the shop. Half an hour later, at around 7.00pm, a tin was stolen from Threshers on Widney Road also in Knowle.

The next day, a man walked into Murco petrol station on Kenilworth Road, Knowle, at around 2.00pm and again hiding a tin under his jacket before walking out with it.

Officers are also looking into reports that Lloyds Pharmacy in Meriden, Blooms Garden Centre in Hampton-in-Arden, and One Stop, the butchers and dry cleaners – all in Balsall Common – have also been targeted.

Inspector Allan Green from Solihull is investigating the thefts. He said: “There are no circumstances under which such thefts are justifiable. This is a wicked and deplorable crime and we need the public to help us catch those responsible.

“This money was intended for service men and women, veterans and their families – people who have risked their lives for our country, and the loved ones of those who gave their lives doing so.

“From our CCTV inquiries, it appears one man usually removes the tin while the other acts as a distraction to anyone who may try and disturb him.

“The first man is described as white, 6ft, of a slim build and in his 20s. He is often seen wearing a distinctive-checked deerstalker hat. The other man is described as black, around 5ft 11ins, of a medium build and is also in his 20s.

“We are doing all we can to track down the pair but in the meantime, we would urge any businesses with poppy tins to be vigilant and report any thefts to us at the earliest opportunity.”

Anyone with information about the identity of the men is urged to call police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more: http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/latest-news/news.aspx?id=1975