NORTH Vancouver RCMP say they are taking seriously the "disrespectful and insulting" theft of veterans' Poppy Fund boxes from half a dozen North Vancouver businesses.
The boxes, which raise money for Canadian war veterans' services, went missing from countertops at Starbucks coffee, Subway, Waves coffee shop and the Chevron and Husky gas stations in Lower Lonsdale between Nov. 4 and Nov. 8. In all, the charity lost "several hundred dollars," according to police.
"It's a true insult to war vets and what they have done to provide us with the privileges we have in Canada," said Cpl. Richard De Jong, spokesman for the North Vancouver detachment.
Investigators believe the thefts are the work of one or possibly two individuals. They are reviewing video footage from the targeted businesses and canvassing witnesses in an attempt to identify them. One suspect is believed to be a male, 25-30 years old with black hair, a thin moustache and small beard, said De Jong. They are hoping the public can help point them in the right direction.
Anyone who has information about the thefts is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
