Police Search for Men After Poppy Appeal Donation Box Theft

Friday, 14 November 2025 12:14

Wiltshire Police are seeking two men in connection with a theft that occurred on Remembrance Sunday.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on November 9th, a man entered the main entrance of Salisbury Cathedral, took a look around, and then left and returned a short time later. He then approached the front desk, where the donation table is located, picked up the Royal British Legion poppy collection box and walked out with it.

Whilst the man acted alone in the theft, he was in the company of another man, and officers are keen to identify them both. They left in the direction of the west door exit and back into the city.

PC Matt Fry said: “This was an absolutely despicable act – whilst we do not know exactly how much money was inside the collection tin, this was money that had been donated by members of the public to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal - a charity which carries out vital work to support our hero war veterans and I know news of this theft will cause upset and shock to members of our community.

“You can help us with our enquiries by sharing our appeal to identify the two men we are keen to speak to in connection with this theft.”

The suspect is described as a white man aged between 25 and 35, of stocky athletic build, with short dark hair, trimmed facial hair, wearing a black puffa style jacket with hood, olive green jogging bottoms, black Nike trainers and wearing gloves.

The man he was with is described as a white man, aged 50 to 60, of slim build with a greying beard. He was wearing a dark blue jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes, with a cream or white baseball bat and carrying a walking stick.

If you can help, please email 2435@wiltshire.police.uk and quote crime reference number 54250148522.

Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.