Girl, 11, steals poppy appeal collection

The box was taken from Mytholmroyd Community Centre near Halifax, where Julie Wilby was raising money as part of her 40th birthday celebrations.

She said the girl had got inside the venue by claiming her parents were at the party before swiping the cash.

“It’s disgusting,” said Mrs Wilby, manageress at the centre. “I’m appalled. It shows a total lack of respect.”

Guests challenged the girl in the car park but she claimed she had thrown the box away. Despite a search, it has not been found.

Mrs Wilby said she wanted to use her birthday celebrations on Saturday night as a way of raising money for the Royal British Legion.

She also had a donation tin at the bar which raised 150 pounds for Help for Heroes.

“I had to explain to the man who came to collect the poppy box what had happened,” said Mrs Wilby. “He said this had happened before but that’s not the point. It’s despicable.”

Another callous thief stole a military cap from a Remembrance Day display at an RSPCA charity shop in Halifax.

Deputy manager Paul Greenwood, 45, who served in the Army for 11 years and was a military instructor, said: “It has no inherent value to anyone but it is part of my history and has sentimental value.

“I have taught more than 600 recruits wearing that cap and it means a lot to me.”

He is hoping the thief will reconsider their actions and return the cap to the shop.

Sgt Damon Walker, who is investigating the poppy box theft, said: “Offences like this are particularly upsetting. Those responsible have taken advantage of the goodwill of local people who have donated money for a worthy cause.”