Police hunt for Poppy Day thief

POLICE are investigating a string of thefts of poppy collection boxes across Warrington and Frodsham which they believe could be the work of the same callous thief.
One theft actually took place on November 11 while across the country millions of people were mourning those who had given their lives in conflict.
Police have launched a widespread investigation linking the various thefts.
Chief Inspector Jon Ward said “This particular type of crime can be described as nothing more than abhorrent and disrespectful to the memories of those to whom we pay our respects to during the Armistice memorial period.
“We firmly believe that the same individual may be responsible for this spate of thefts and we are doing all we can to locate his whereabouts. We will leave no stone unturned in our search to bring this callous individual to justice”
Eight incidents were reported to police in the week of November 5, when two collection tins were stolen from the Royal British Legion and an off-licence at Culcheth.
The following day the suspect was captured on CCTV stealing a poppy cash collection from chip shop on Station Road South, Padgate and later the same day a similar theft took place at the Spar store on Thelwall New Road, Grappenhall.
More thefts took place from the Frodsham branch of the HSBC bank and then Main Street Post Office, Frodsham on November 8.
Later the same day there was a theft from a Travelodge in Chester.
On November 11, while the nation mourned those who have given their lives in conflict, the thief stole a collection box from a bakery on Church Street in Frodsham.
The suspect is described as a man aged in his early to mid-thirties, of average build and around 6ft tall. He has brown shaven hair receding at the crown. Police ask that anyone with any information that may assist the investigation should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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