Poppy box thieves are 'scum of the earth'

10:24am Thursday 30th October 2008

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A British Legion member has branded thieves who stole two charity boxes in Milford Haven as ‘the scum of the earth’.

At around 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 22, two Royal British Legion poppy appeal boxes were stolen from the Spar and Milford News stores in Charles Street.

"There's thousands of people who gave their lives for the slimy b******* who stole those things"

Colonel Doug Joyce

Lieutenant Colonel Doug Joyce, president of the Legion’s Milford Haven branch, said the incidents made a mockery of the generosity of local people.

“It’s disgusting. For people to do that makes them the scum of the earth in my opinion,” he said.

“It seems we have the support of 99% of people, not just in Milford but across the country, yet the low lifes who make up 1% want to spoil it for everyone.

“There’s thousands and thousands of people who gave their lives for the slimy b******* who stole those things.”

Carol Betty, who owns the Milford News store, said the theft appeared pre-meditated: “I was asked about an item in the far corner of the shop and while my back was turned, the box was taken.

“We chased them down the street but it was too late. We have a replacement box now and sadly it has to be tied up. It’s horrible to think people would want to steal it.”

The thieves used a similar tactic in Spar, taking the box whilst the cashier turned to pick out a packet of cigarettes.

Milford mayor Councillor John Roberts said he was appalled by the thefts.

He added: “This is the time of year when we remember the fallen and Milford Haven is usually very good at honouring our ex-servicemen.

“For somebody to do this is beyond words really. It’s beyond the pale. Let’s hope the police get the people who did it.”

The offenders are both described as white males, one aged in his 20s with dark hair, approximately five foot eight inches with a local accent, clean shaven and wearing a white top at the time of the theft. The other is described as dark haired, approximately six foot tall and 35-years-old, of medium build. He was wearing a dark top.

Anyone who witnessed the thefts is asked to contact PC Potter at Milford police station on 0845 3302000. At the time of the Mercury going to press, no arrests had been made.