Update: Poppy thieves are back

By Katy Burley and Katie Coleman

BELLEVILLE – A man and a woman have been charged in relation to the theft of Remembrance Day poppy donation boxes from two Trenton businesses Wednesday morning.

The suspects were picked up around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon and charged with theft under $5000. The woman was released on promise to return to a court date in December. The man is being held for a bail hearing due to a breach of a court order.

Every year around Remembrance Day, police receive reports of people stealing poppy donation boxes. To no surprise, the calls have started.

At around 1:30 Wednesday morning Quinte West OPP responded to a Dundas Street East business to investigate reports of yet another theft. Witnesses said a man and a woman were seen taking off with the poppy donation box.

The male suspect was described as white with a medium build and short brown hair. He was seen wearing jeans and a red jacket. The woman, also white, with bleach blonde hair in her late 40’s. She was seen wearing a blue and black jacket, jeans, and high heels.

The police investigation revealed that a second poppy donation box had also been stolen from another Dundas Street East business. OPP believe the same suspects were involved. It’s unknown how much money was in the boxes when they were stolen.