FELIXSTOWE: Police are on the hunt for thieves today after it emerged that more poppy collection tins have been stolen from premises in Felixstowe.

Thieves struck at Bent Hill Post Office on Armistice Day stealing a poppy appeal tin, and again at the Salvation Army on November 2. This followed the theft at Boots pharmacy in Orwell Road on Thursday.

One man was arrested following the theft from the Salvation Army, however no further action was taken, and police are now looking into the possibility that the crimes are linked.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said: “A 25-year-old man was arrested following the theft of the collection tin from the Salvation Army at Cobbold Road on Wednesday, November 2, however he now faces no further action as there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

“Inquiries into this and the incident where a box was stolen from the Post Office at Wolsey Gardens between 8.45am and 3.25pm on Friday, November 11 continue.

“The incident at Boots was reported to police on November 14, and officers will be looking at the possibility the incidents are linked.

“These are despicable crimes – to steal from any charity is deplorable.”

Sub-postmaster at Bent Hill post office, Rosemarie Crozier, was devastated when she discovered the post office’s collection tin had been stolen.

She said: “We’re all still reeling from it.

“Theft happens these days but stealing something like that when you know what it’s for is despicable.”

The poppy appeal is run by the Royal British Legion, which helps all generations of the armed forces and their families.

Donald Bones, the Royal British Legion’s branch press officer, condemned the actions of the thieves, describing the two crimes as sickening.

He said: “They’re stealing from their own community.

“It makes you feel sick. They have to live with their own consciences.”

Police are urging anyone with information about the thefts to call them with information.

If you saw what happened or have any information, please call police at Felixstowe on 101.

n What are your views on the thefts? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or you can send an e-mail to us at eveningstarletters @eveningstar.co.uk.