Police try to deter poppy box thieves

Calgary police are suggesting retailers move poppy boxes behind the counter, but the head of the poppy fund in Alberta says she is uneasy about donation boxes being less visible.

At least 60 Royal Canadian Legion poppy boxes were stolen in Calgary last year. So Const. Chris Kennedy and other officers in his district are writing retailers and asking them to make donation boxes harder to steal.

"Poppy donation boxes are, unfortunately, an easy target for thieves looking for a quick cash grab," said Const. Kennedy in a statement. "We receive reports every year relating to the theft of boxes, and this year we wanted to try and prevent offences by raising public awareness."

The list of recommendations include chaining the box to the counter, or putting it behind the counter and posting a sign to alert customers that they are available.

Shauna Walker is heeding his advice. She had a couple of the donation boxes stolen last year from her northeast grocery store.

"We put them behind the counter, where you can still see them, but just out of arm's reach," she said.  

Tammy Wheeler, chief administrative officer for the Alberta-NWT Command Office, said out of sight for thieves means out of sight for possible donors as well.

"We are so not visible as it is," she said. "Those little boxes remind people."

The 2008 poppy fund started its fundraising campaign last Friday. The goal in Calgary is to raise $1.8 million to $2 million, which will go to veterans and their families in need with dental and eye care, prescriptions, shelter, clothing and other basic support.