Thieves steal poppy donation boxes in Calgary
Poppy boxes are a popular target for thieves as Remembrance Day approaches
A Calgary charity says it's "pathetic" that people would steal from veterans after at least 21 poppy donation boxes were stolen from stores across the city.
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The most recent theft took place on Monday, according to Calgary police.
"They're stealing from soldiers [who] actually gave them the freedoms they have to be wandering the streets," said David Howard of the Canadian Legacy Project.
"So it's a pathetic thing for it to happen," he added.
Howard says poppy boxes often collect about $50 each — funds that are desperately needed this year because donations are down 11 per cent.
"It's a tough economic climate in Calgary [so] every dollar counts," Howard said.
"Those dollars are used to support our vets and those in need, and for the veterans' food drive ... that's a lot of money."
Police say they're working with retailers to make sure they don't keep a lot of money in the boxes.
They say the theft of poppy donations is often a crime of opportunity and desperation.
With files from CBC's Kate Adach