THIS is the shocking moment a brazen thief appears to nick a Poppy Appeal charity box from a shop counter.
Footage shows the “scumbag” being served at the till before he seemingly swipes the collection pot in a split-second theft.
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In CCTV taken inside the Kent shop, the man is first shown re-positioning the charity box.
His eyes remain fixated on the money pot as he appears to detach it from its chains.
Seconds later, he lifts up the poppy-shaped box and looks to stuff it under his Nike jacket before calmly picking up a magazine.
Reacting to the outrageous footage online, some blasted the alleged crook’s actions as “vile”.
One fumed: “Scumbag. No matter how tough things are, never steal from those who need it more than you.
Another blasted: “It’s disgusting that charity boxes now need chains just to keep them safe.”
A third continued: “Absolute vile creature – hope karma bites.”
Kent Police confirmed a probe had been launched following the alleged theft.
In a statement, the force urged anyone with information or who recognised the suspect to come forward.
Locals residents suggested that the yob might be known in the community.
The Poppy Appeal provides funds for more than 90,000 veterans from all conflicts and their families.
Figures released by the Royal British Legion show the 2023 appeal raised £49.2million — up from the £42million in 2022.
Speaking on the huge figure raised, Poppy Appeal director Lucy Inskip hailed the “generosity of the general public”.
She said: “We are delighted to have raised £49.2million for the Armed Forces community.
“This achievement would not have been possible without our dedicated Poppy Appeal organisers, volunteers, partner organisations, and the generosity of the general public.
“The money raised will go towards the RBL’s vital work ensuring those who have served and sacrificed in the British Armed Forces get the support they need, whenever they need it.”
It comes after a thief was filmed casually walking away with a £150,000 violin after stealing it from a musician in a pub.
The Met Police said the instrument was stolen from a pub in Islington, North London.
Cops have asked for any witnesses to come forward and help trace the suspect, releasing CCTV images of a man who was in the pub.
The 30-year-old owner of the violin is a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra.
It was taken from The Marquess Tavern on February 18.
In a statement, police said: “It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless.”
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