Army
Tower of London Poppies Targeted by Thieves
Paul Cummins – the artist behind the emotive display at the Tower of London – says thieves have attempted to break into the lorries storing poppies before they are sent out to members of the public, all of which have paid £25 for each one.
Mr Cummins, a Derbyshire-based artist, said: "When they were taken out of the moat, people were breaking into the lorries to try and get them... they have been trying to do this ever since we put them in.
The proceeds of the poppies, sold by Historic Royal Palaces, the owner of the land on which the display was mounted, will be shared among several charities which support former servicemen and women.
Over 17,000 volunteers spent many months installing the artwork with each poppy representing a British and Commonwealth serviceman who lost their lives during the First World War.
"I am not happy. It is disrespectful to the people who bought them and made them and to the people they represent."
eBay have threatened to remove any listings attempting to sell commemorative poppies on the site.
Join Our Newsletter
