ANOTHER three poppy collection tins have been reported as stolen in East Lancashire.

Last week, police released CCTV of a thief who struck at the Santander bank in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

Officers believe, in the 60 seconds he was in the bank, he used a blade to cut the security cord attached to the red poppy tin, which contained between £50 and £100.

Other tins were stolen from the Halifax in Blackburn; a butchers in Barrowford, a dental practice in Barnoldswick, a medical centre in Nelson and a bakers in Brierfield.

Police are continuing their hunt for the thieves but it has now emerged that three more tins have been reported as stolen in blackburn.

Poppy Appeal organiser for Blackburn, Eddie Maxwell, described those responsible as ‘vile’.

He said: “As we have visited businesses to collect the tins this week following Remembrance Sunday, we have found that three more have been stolen from Gala Bingo in Ainsworth Street and Boots and Blockbuster on the Townsmoor Retail Park.

“This is my first year as appeal organiser and it is horrible to see the generous amounts that are raised being stolen by people who will do anything to just to get their hands on cash.”

Contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or 0845 1 253545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.