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This is the shocking moment two callous thieves embarked on a series of poppy collection tin thefts.

Seven charity collection boxes were targeted in just two days by the thieves who police have branded “wicked”.

Police have released CCTV footage of the two men – one wearing a distinctive deerstalker hat – who officers suspect are behind the raids.

The video shows two men walking into Meriden Tea Rooms, Fillongley Road, at 11.35am on October 27. One of the men grabs the poppy tin on the counter and conceals it under his jacket before brazenly walking out.

They were then seen getting into a green coloured car – which police suspect could be a Ford Focus.

At around 2pm on the same day a poppy collection tin was stolen from Balsall Common Pharmacy after a man placed it in a plastic bag.

Later at around 6.30pm a man tried to steal a poppy tin from the One Stop in Knowle by cutting the string attaching it to the counter but a member of staff caught him in the act.

Half an hour later, at around 7pm, a tin was stolen from Threshers on Widney Road also in Knowle.





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The next day at 2pm a man walked out of the Murco petrol station on Kenilworth Road, Knowle, with a tin hidden under his jacket.

Inspector Allan Green from Solihull said: “There are no circumstances under which such thefts are justifiable. This is a wicked and deplorable crime and we need the public to help us catch those responsible.

“This money was intended for service men and women, veterans and their families – people who have risked their lives for our country, and the loved ones of those who gave their lives doing so.

“From our CCTV inquiries, it appears one man usually removes the tin while the other acts as a distraction to anyone who may try and disturb him.

“The first man is described as white, 6ft, of a slim build and in his 20s. He is often seen wearing a distinctive-checked deerstalker hat. The other man is described as black, around 5ft 11ins, of a medium build and is also in his 20s.

“We are doing all we can to track down the pair but in the meantime, we would urge any businesses with poppy tins to be vigilant and report any thefts to us at the earliest opportunity.”

People with information are urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.