Poppy collector Max Capill, 63, talks about the three youngsters who attempted to rob him on Friday while he was collecting for the RSA Anzac Day Appeal.

A Blenheim man who can barely walk is in disbelief after three young people tried to steal his Poppy Day collection bucket.

Max Capill, 63, was diagnosed with emphysema about five years ago and relies on an oxygen machine to breathe and a mobility scooter to get around.

On Friday, the former vineyard foreman was collecting money for Anzac poppies outside BNZ on Market St when he was approached by two girls and a boy, all aged about 13.

The collection bucket was sitting on a table, with the strap of the bucket connected to the tray underneath.

"[One of the girls] swooped in and tried to grab the tray," he said.

"I said 'what are you doing you silly little girl'."

The tray almost fell over, and the girl grabbed the bucket before Capill slapped her hand away.

"That's when they laughed and took off down the street."

The three teenagers ran off down Queen St "laughing their heads off", Capill said.

"It seemed as though it was a game to them. They probably saw me sitting in my scooter and thought, 'He can't take off after us'."

A woman came out of the bank, asked if they'd taken anything and ran after them, he said.

He didn't see her again so was not sure if she caught up with them.

Capill had been doing a good trade at his spot outside the bank. He believed he had given out about 50 poppies, with some people offering $10 and $20 notes in donations.

He was disappointed with what happened, he said.

"I reckon it's very disrespectful."

The young people had all been well dressed and didn't look like they would try and steal a collection bucket, he said.

"I think it was more of an opportunity - it wouldn't matter what collection was going on - they just thought they'd be able to grab a quick couple of dollars."

Capill said he would have chased them on his mobility scooter if they had grabbed the container.

The incident had ruined his day, he said.

"I felt disappointed and cheated. It left a bad taste in my mouth that that sort of thing would happen."

Everyone had been shocked when they heard what happened.

"Everyone is flabbergasted, they can't believe it."

Capill planned on volunteering as a collector on Poppy Day again next year. His father was in the navy, and his brother fought in the Vietnam War.

"I'll do more of it if I'm able to."

Marlborough Returned and Services Association women's section president Noeleen Thomson said RSA members were "horrified'.

"Especially on Poppy Day," she said.

"These kids probably know nothing about Anzac or what Poppy Day is for."

Marlborough RSA president John Forrest said he was outraged by the attempted theft.

"It is pretty disgusting behaviour from young children that should know better," he said.

"The people we were collecting for were people that defended their right to walk down the street in freedom."

Police are reviewing security footage from the area and would like anyone with information to call Blenheim police on 03 578 5279.