Thief steals poppy collection tin from Scarborough Travelodge

The incident took place at around 1pm at the Travelodge, on Nicholas Street, on November 13, Scarborough Police said.

Images released by the force show the suspect walking into the hotel and taking a British Legion collection tin from the reception desk.

Officers are now asking members of the public if they recognise the man in the images.

Sergeant Kevin Dunn, of Scarborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was a quite despicable offence, which took place on the day when the whole of the nation stood still to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in various conflicts around the world.

“Someone must know this person. The images show him very clearly and I would sincerely hope that if anyone recognises him they have the decency to come forward and tell the police or Crimestoppers who he is.

“This man needs to be punished for what he has done and I am appealing to the residents of Scarborough to help us bring him to justice.”

Anyone who recognises the man from the images on the police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk can contact North Yorkshire Police, on 0845 60 60 24 7 - select option 2 - and ask for Sgt Kevin Dunn, or Scarborough police. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 12110193131.