RCMP have arrested a man for stealing poppy donation boxes from banks in downtown Kelowna.
According to police, on Nov. 8, a bank reported that a donation box had been stolen. The next day, Nov. 9, another bank reported a man who, after asking for directions, stole a donation box.
“Businesses should not need to take extra precautions in securing poppy donation boxes to prevent them from being stolen,” RCMP Cpl. Tammy Lobb said in a statement. “However, the boxes have become a target for thieves over recent years.”
Video footage sent to Global News showed a man running across Ellis Street, clutching a donation box while a bank employee chases him.
“We are deeply upset and disappointed by the attempted theft of a poppy donation box and we are grateful that our branch staff were unharmed,” RBC said in a statement to Global News.
“The health, safety and security of our employees is RBC’s No. 1 priority. Beyond that, we are unable to comment further as this remains a police matter.”
Tim Lalor, who witnessed the event unfold, said he heard one man yell, “Don’t touch me, get away,” then saw poppies scattered across the road.
Lalor works across the street and says petty theft is too common in downtown Kelowna.
“I don’t think the police are taking the homelessness crisis seriously,” said Lalor. “I walk my dog everyday down here and see the same thing each day.”
Police say the man who was arrested has been released pending a future court date.