Poppy Appeal cash stolen in cruel Ashington raid
Thieves have raided Poppy Appeal tins destined to bring a smile to the face of elderly war veterans in Northumberland this Christmas.
The Ashington branch of the Royal British Legion was struck by thieves who helped themselves to all the cash on the premises, including money from Poppy Appeal collections and a charity box that was to be used to buy vouchers to give to the elderly members of the club at Christmas.
They also vandalised the bar, which is a meeting place for scores of ex-servicemen in the town.
When club stewardess Carol Thompson, 56, pictured, arrived at the club on Monday morning, she discovered the sickening crime.
She said: "The idea they have taken money other people have donated to help people at Christmas is just disgusting.
"There is just no respect. They are robbing from soldiers and veterans, people who have given so much and asked for nothing in return."
Staff and members of the club spend all year collecting money to help their elderly comrades get through the festive season. The sealed box is replaced every new year.
And Carol had been due to open it in the coming weeks to find out how much was inside.
This year the club had also planned to hold a Christmas party for its older members where they would present them with their vouchers over a festive buffet, but the money they had raised to hold the event was also stolen.
"We save from one Christmas to the next to give the pensioners a treat at Christmas. We give Asda vouchers to everyone over 60," Carol said.
"The money was due to be counted in the next couple of weeks so we have no idea how much they have taken.
Andrew Drake, county manager for the Royal British Legion in Northumberland, said: "We are very disappointed and concerned that somebody should steal money generously donated to veterans, who are very much in need at this time of year. We sincerely hope they will be caught and the money will be recovered."
A 32-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the theft and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police in Ashington on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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