Poppy box thefts suspect sought in North Vancouver

North Vancouver RCMP have released an image of a man they allege stole two poppy donation boxes on Tuesday.

The first theft took place at approximately 9 p.m. PT on Nov. 4, when a man entered a drug store on Lonsdale Avenue and allegedly took a poppy box from the counter.

The same man was seen around 20 minutes later at a gas station several blocks away, paying his bill with coins. It is alleged he also took a poppy donation box from the gas station counter.

"When someone steals from our poppy boxes they are stealing from our veterans," Cpl. Richard de Jong told CBC News.

The money from the poppy boxes goes to raise funds for veterans and their families.

De Jong said the thefts aren't unusual.

"This is something that happens every year and the police are deeply concerned that individuals like this think it is okay to do this.

"Considering these are 20 minutes apart and he is paying for the gas and goods from money from the first theft, they are crimes of opportunity."

Anyone with information is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at solvecrime.ca.