Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Shelburne Police Service (SPS) are turning to the public and asking for their assistance in identifying the woman who stole a Legion poppy donation box this week. 

Late on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 10) police say that a woman stole the Legion poppy box with an unknown amount of cash inside, from the Circle K convenience store on Main Street in Shelburne. 

“Every theft is unacceptable, but stealing money from a fundraising event like this is particularly disturbing,” said SPS Sgt. Paul Neumann.   

Sgt. Neumann said that the woman concealed the box of poppies while the clerk was turned looking for something behind the counter. 

Speaking with the Free Press, Shelburne Legion President Lesa Peat, said this was not the first time the Legion has had a poppy box stolen. 

“We're disappointed and disgusted,” said Peat. 

The Legion learned about the theft, shortly after they returned from the Town's Remembrance Day ceremony, held outside of Town Hall on Wednesday.  

“What this person just did was... whatever  money that was in that pocket box, that was supposed to go to a veteran, is now not going to make it to a veteran,” said Peat. 

The Poppy Fund is an annual campaign that the Legion holds to raise funds that go directly to help the needs of veterans within the community. 

“It's sad,” said Peat. “Especially on a day like today.” 

Police ask that if anyone has information in relation to the incident to contact the Shelburne Police Service at 519-925-3312 or anonymously by calling 1-800-222-8477, or  submitting online at crimestopperssdm.com. 

“We're hoping the public can help us identify this person that we've captured on video,” said Neumann.