Thursday, November 20, 2008, 09:29

ROYAL British Legion officials are appealing for the return of Poppy Appeal collection tins stolen from two premises in Yeovil.

The first was taken from a community shop, which did not want to be identified, on Tuesday 4 November; the second was stolen from Mocha's coffee shop in Union Street on Tuesday 11 November – Armistice Day.

Peter Brock, vice-chairman of the Yeovil branch of the Legion, said: "All we want is to have them back.

"We have no idea how much was in the pots when they were taken, and I know they can be easy pickings, but people do not realise how important this money is for people like those presently serving in Afghanistan. Every pence makes a difference and I know its unlikely that we'll get the money back but it would be nice if whoever took it had enough of a conscience to try and make it up in some way.

"The money goes to help and support serving and ex-service personnel and their families and is given by local people to support us in that work and we would like it to be returned for that purpose."

Mr Brock said the thefts were disappointing, especially in the wake of such generosity to the appeal. "There has been an excellent show of support in the lead-up to and on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

"Over £19,000 was collected last year from Yeovil, the highest amount ever recorded. Our aim this year is to meet or beat the figures, which will be tremendously hard, but despite the current climate people have still been very generous.

"The people in Yeovil who I have spoken to seem quite shocked and very disappointed by the thefts. I must stress it is a very small minority of people who have done this; the majority of people have been extremely helpful."

Police have investigated but CCTV footage does not identify the culprits.

ANYONE with information is asked to call Yeovil police on 08454 567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.