Police are hunting two men after a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal donation box was stolen from Salisbury Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.
The theft happened at around 9.30am on 9 November when a man entered the main entrance and briefly looked around.
He then returned, approached the front desk where the donation table was positioned, picked up the collection box and walked out.
Although only one man carried out the theft, officers say he was accompanied by another man. Both left through the west door and headed back towards the city centre.
PC Matt Fry said: “This was an absolutely despicable act – whilst we do not know exactly how much money was inside the collection tin, this was money that had been donated by members of the public to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – a charity which carries out vital work to support our hero war veterans and I know news of this theft will cause upset and shock to members of our community.
“You can help us with our enquiries by sharing our appeal to identify the two men we are keen to speak to in connection with this theft.”
The suspect is described as a white man aged between twenty five and thirty five, with a stocky athletic build, short dark hair and trimmed facial hair.
He was wearing a black puffa style jacket with a hood, olive green jogging bottoms, black Nike trainers and gloves.
The second man is described as white and aged between fifty and sixty, of slim build with a greying beard. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes, along with a cream or white baseball cap, and was carrying a walking stick.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] quoting crime reference 54250148522. Information can also be provided anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
