Poppy

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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Nature enthusiasts walked among colorful native flowers growing wild at Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch roads.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

For me, springtime means taking road trips to document the wildflower fields through Southern California. But this season has not been a good one.

Due to the lack of rain in the crucial winter months, the areas that are sometimes covered in poppies, lupines and other blooms — the Arvin Cross area in Arvin, Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore and the Antelope Valley, to name a few — are more barren this year. I thought I’d have to give up my quest.

Although no significant fields of California poppies grew this year in Southern California, a large field of the colorful native flowers grows wild at Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch roads, in the community of Elizabeth Lake, Calif., on Sunday. The location is about two hours north of Los Angeles.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

But then I heard murmurs about a large poppy field in the tiny community of Elizabeth Lake, south of Lancaster. I decided to grab my camera and make the two-hour drive from my home to see what was out there.

It turns out the south-facing hillsides are blanketed in golden and orange poppies. Being surrounded in the glow felt nearly electric. There were just a handful of people taking photos and hiking up a steep trail to the top of the hill.

The fields are located at Elizabeth Lake and Munz Ranch roads. You’ll be able to park on the side of the road next to the poppies.

A few notes if you decide to see the splendor at Elizabeth Lake: Go in the next two to three weeks if you can. Make sure to respect the speed limits and the neighbors. Use the crosswalk and be careful when crossing the road. There is a main trail on the hillside that splits off into two. Stay on those trails and do not trample the flowers (or take any home). Enjoy the scenery and leave no trace.

It turns out this season isn’t a complete bust when it comes to wildflowers. Happy spring.

If you decide to see the bloom at Elizabeth Lake, make sure to leave no trace.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)