North Vancouver RCMP have arrested a man they say is responsible for stealing two boxes of Remembrance Day poppies and donations intended to go to Canadian veterans.
The first theft occurred at a Lonsdale Avenue drugstore at 9 p.m. on Nov.4, according to police.
The suspect likely waited until staff were distracted before swiping the poppy box, according to Cpl. Richard De Jong, North Vancouver RC MP spokesman.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the Flanders Field foe allegedly struck again at a nearby gas station.
While paying for a small amount of gas, chocolate bars and cigarettes with loonies, toonies and quarters, the man allegedly grabbed the poppy box from the counter.
North Vancouver RC MP launched a media blitz including an image of the suspect captured by a surveillance camera on Friday.
That led to at least two tips from the public identifying the man, according to investigators. Police arrested the 28-year-old North Vancouver man on Saturday evening. Officers are recommending two charges of theft.
Police aren't releasing the amount of money stolen, but it could be a lot, according to De Jong.
"People are quite generous. It's not just loonies and toonies, people will put bills in there," he said.
"People give to the poppy fund out of respect and remembrance," De Jong stated in a press release.
"When someone steals a poppy box they are taking money from someone who has served our country."
The suspect is due back in court on Dec. 10.
