Callous thieves have plundered cash left in tribute to loved ones lost in wartime. The theft from York's Garden of Remembrance has been bitterly condemned by the Royal British Legion - and it has forced members to abandon a long-standing tradition of collecting at the Memorial.

Ted Griffiths at the war memorial in Duncombe Place, York

For many years a Poppy Appeal collection box has been left in the Duncombe Place gardens for members of the public to make donations in exchange for small wooden crosses.

The crosses are then placed in the grounds of the garden in memory of loved ones.

But last year the wooden box was vandalised and this year it was taken just hours after the ceremony to dedicate the garden, attended by civic dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion.

Now the Legion has given up leaving the box in the gardens, instead keeping it in the safety of the Dean Court Hotel. People must call there to pick up a cross and make a donation.

Ted Griffiths, president of the York branch of the Royal British Legion, said the box had been emptied during the morning, but when members went to empty it again at 3.30pm it had gone.

"It's absolutely disgusting. It's diabolical to think people put contributions in the box in all good faith for the Poppy Appeal and then this happens."

He said the box had been vandalised last year, but had never been stolen before.

"This is a tradition that has been going on for a lot of years and is very, very sad."

General manager David Brooks said the Dean Court had helped out for many years by keeping the box overnight and putting it back out every morning, during the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

He said: "I was very saddened to say the least. Somebody has to be really devoid of feelings, regardless of their age, to take that money.

"I think it is an indicator that people are losing their sense of morality. It's a worry when people can feel it's acceptable to pinch money left for a cause like that."

The missing box was around 14in square with a hinged lid held on with a padlock.

Police, who are appealing for information to help their investigation, also condemned the culprits.

Inspector Geoff Dodd, of York Police, said: "It's a sad reflection on the lack of respect that some people have for those who gave their lives and made such an enormous contribution to this country."

See COMMENT: 'Despicable theft'

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