WATCH: Poppy theft at Winnipeg Subway restaurant caught on camera
WINNIPEG — It’s a cringe-worthy sight.
Security footage from a Subway restaurant in St. Vital shows a man stealing money from a poppy donation box with no hesitation.
The man takes the box, empties it of money and hangs around the store for about a minute before leaving. He even counts the cash on camera.
“It warmed my heart to see people emptying all their change from their wallet into the box,” said assistant manager Heather Cyncora,
There was a large collection of donations in the box, she said.
“We’ve been putting our tips in there out of respect for the week.”
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Cyncora immediately shared still photos of the suspect on Facebook, hoping to catch him.
“Those boxes are put there for a purpose: to support our vets. I would never think someone would be that low to actually steal a box of change like that,” she said.
Cyncora also filed a report with Winnipeg police, who said it’s an unfortunate crime that happens every year.
“It kind of makes you sick to your stomach, to be blunt,” said Const. Jason Michalyshen. “But there’s no question we have a job to do. We want businesses to report this to police immediately.”
READ MORE: 6 things to know about the poppy for Remembrance Day
The reaction was similar over at the Royal Canadian Legion, where dozens of volunteers have been collecting money for veterans over the last couple of weeks.
This is the second box to go missing this year, Rick Bennett said.
“I absolutely think this is the most disgusting thing that can happen. This money is used to look after veterans and their families.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to come forward.
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