Charity collection tins stolen

SIX Poppy Appeal collection tins were stolen in Henley.

The tins were taken from the Christ Church Centre in Reading Road, Zizzi’s restaurant and Jacobini’s wine bar in Hart Street, the Chocolate Café in Thames Side, Uppal fish and chip shop in King’s Road and the 60-Plus Social Club in Greys Road car park.

Police have been informed.

Richard Pinches, co-organiser of the Henley Poppy Appeal, said: “It is quite despicable that someone would even think to do this.

“When we heard about the Christ Church Centre theft, I had hoped that it would be a one-off. We will ask businesses to take tighter security measures and keep their pots near to the till next year.”

Rev Glyn Millington, minister at Christ Church, said: “Whoever took our collection tin from a table walked away, emptied the tin and threw it over the fence into Victoria Court Gardens.

“This man was in the right place at the right time for him. It seemed truly opportunistic for him to come into the centre and steal the tin while no one was in the office.

“It is deeply disappointing that someone would steal the money when people have been very generous this year. We had several dozen people donate to the Poppy Appeal.”

Although the thief was caught on CCTV he was wearing a covid mask, so was impossible to identify.

Louise Shillito, assistant manager at Zizzi’s, said: “It is just so very low to steal from a charity. It is disgusting. Quite a few people were donating to the collection pot.”

The tin at Uppal was stolen on Friday and had about £30 in.

Manager Yuvraj Singh said: “This is my first year in Henley and I feel so bad for the appeal.

“When the charity came to collect our donation pot, I took money out of my own pocket to make up what was stolen.

“I am from India so Remembrance means so much to me. We will definitely use a lock and chain on the collection pot in the future.”

Mr Pinches thanked Mr Singh, saying: “He is a supreme community member and my local chippy. His kind-heartedness is what we need more of in Henley.”

The theft at Jacobini’s also happened on Friday and poppies were stolen as well as the tin.

Manager John Hartfield said: “The thieves just ran in and ran out with both items and I assume that they flogged the poppies around town.

“Our team quickly replaced the collection pot and poppy tray but it just shouldn’t happen.

“There seems to be a pattern of antisocial behaviour around Henley at the moment. I blame it on a lack of policing.”

Kalli Connery, manager of the Chocolate Café, called the theft “despicable”.

“It is abhorrent, shocking — these people are low-life scum.

“We have never fastened the pot as I want to believe in the trust and kindness of the people of Henley.”

Jackie Handley, from the social club, said: “We were so careful to always have our pot in clear vision of staff.

“It was here on Friday when we closed for work but when we returned on Monday it was gone.

“Another group does use the space on the weekend, so we can only assume it was taken then.

“Next year we will put our collection pot in a safe, or walk around to people asking for donations. We will not leave it out.”

Mr Pinches said that despite the thefts the appeal had raised about £25,000 for the Royal British Legion.

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