VERNON — A Vernon pet store is warning other businesses to be on the look-out for a poppy thief.
The theft happened earlier this week at Bosley’s by Pet Valu on Highway 6 where the alleged thief was caught on video surveillance stealing the entire poppy donation tray including the poppies.
“Everybody is disgusted, says store manager Dawn Vipond. “You don’t do that to our veterans. It brought tears to my eyes. I just can’t imagine someone doing that.”
Vipond says there was a similar theft at Bosley’s last July when a man stole a donation tin for the Okanagan Human Society. Vipond figures it was the same guy who stole the poppy tray.
She says on the same day of the poppy theft, someone stole a tip jar at Kalamalka Wine and Spirits. Vipond says video surveillance shows it was the same man who stole the poppy tray.
Vipond says the fact that the man is going around stealing tip jars and poppy trays is a sign of desperation.
“I want to say I feel bad for him but these are choices he’s made in his life.”
In order to make sure the thefts don’t re-occur, Vipond is asking customers who want to donate for a poppy to hand the money to staff who will put in a jar for safe keeping.
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