Collection tins for the Poppy appeal have been stolen from three hotels in the Scottish Borders.
The thefts have been condemned by police who are trying to determine if the same person is responsible for each theft.
The thefts happened at the Townhouse, the George and Abbotsford and Burt's hotel in High Street Melrose over 5 days. A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said:
"We are trying to establish whether the thefts are linked. This is a particularly mean crime. Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact the police."
Members of the British Legion Riders Branch from across the North, have volunteered to tour the County to raise awareness of the importance of the Poppy Appeal.
The route will visit the west coast today (27th October) and the Eden Valley and Lakes on Sunday (29th October).
Up to 50 members of the British Legion Riders Branch will be riding through Cumbria.
At each stop point, VIPs and local celebrities will be ready to greet the Riders on their way through.
This year's Ride will begin its tour at 9am at Coronation Hall in Ulverston and will finish at 2.45pm at Bowness on Windermere on Sunday 27th October.
This year the Poppy Appeal is all about the Armed Forces and their families.
"We need to raise £42 million - £2 million more than last year's record amount to carry out our vital work."
"The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for the Legion to help Armed Forces families with £1.7million every week in direct welfare support - that's £90 million each year, answering more than 165,000 calls for help."
