Thief Caught On CCTV Stealing Poppy Appeal Collection Tin

CCTV caught the moment a thief stole a poppy appeal collection tin and hid it down his pants - just a week before Remembrance Sunday.

The British Legion Poppy Appeal tin, which contained around £100, was taken from the bar of a pub in Cleveleys, Lancashire.

In the footage, a man can be seen unhooking the tin before shoving it down his trousers.

The Dickens pub landlord Brian Jenkinson, said he was appalled at the theft, which happened last Friday;

"We won't get a penny back, I know we won't, but we'll see what we can to raise more funds and make up for the loss for the Legion."

Mr Jenkinson trawled the CCTV footage after a member of the public found the abandoned charity tin in a nearby alleyway.

Lancashire Police say they are now looking to speak with Nathan Beddow, 20, in connection with the crime.

A spokesperson for the force said:

"We urge Nathan to get in touch and ask that people do not approach him and let police deal (with it)."

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: "We are greatly disturbed to hear of the theft of a poppy collecting tin.

"This loss will deprive those in the Service and ex-Service community and their families of much-needed assistance and support from the Legion."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting case reference number: WD1707381.