THE theft of a Royal British Legion charity box has been branded “disgusting” by appeal organisers.

One of the Poppy Appeal's collection tins was stolen from The Card Factory in Wheelgate, Malton, just days before last weekend's Remembrance events.

Brenda Robinson, manager of the shop, said staff had been left gutted and hurt by the theft, which took place sometime between 4pm on November 6 and 12noon the following day.

"The collection box was sitting on the counter and had a cable tied to it, so whoever took the box would have had to cut through that," she added.

"We only noticed it had gone when a customer asked to put some money in and realised it had disappeared."

Brenda said: "We don't know how much money was in it but a lot of customers put their change in it and notes as well.

"This has really upset everyone who works here - this is the first time anything like this has happened and staff have been left gutted and extremely upset."

Brenda said staff at the store had held their own collection to hand over to the Royal British Legion's (RBL)Malton and Norton branch.

"Whoever did this is the lowest of the low, they have no respect and I can't believe they are able to walk the streets when they have done something as despicable as this," she added.

RBL branch secretary Shaun Brosnan, said: "It is with a very sad heart that I have to confirm that a Poppy Appeal collecting box has been taken without consent in Malton. It would appear that whoever who took it, felt that their need of your respect and generosity for the welfare of the Armed Forces Community and their families who have given their all and still do for this country is greater. Very sad indeed.

"My thoughts are with the shop staff staff, who are absolutely gutted this has happened. It is very disappointing that this has happened in our small community. Sad testament to the society we now live in."

Anyone with any further information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference number NYP-07112017-0181

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.