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  1. ITV Report

Police arrest two over poppy tin thefts

14 poppy collecting tins have been taken Photo: ITV Anglia

Police in Essex have arrested two people on suspicion of stealing poppy collection tins and swapping them with empty ones.

A 53-year-old man from Chelmsford and a 51-year-old woman from Tiptree have been arrested as part of an investigation into 14 missing collection boxes. Most have been taken from Chelmsford but police say others have disappeared from Colchester, Tiptree and Brentwood.

"We have now had reports of 14 offences involving the theft of Royal British Legion poppy tins.

"In each case a tin containing donations has been taken and replaced with an empty one.

"Our investigations are continuing and if anyone else believes their poppy tins may have been tampered with or stolen I would ask them to call me or Pc Ryan Morrison at Chelmsford Police Station on 101."

– Sgt Steve Rooney

The man currently remains in police custody for questioning while the woman has been bailed pending further inquiries to report back on Sunday December 7.