POLICE have warned those with collecting tins on their premises to ensure they are fixed down after two incidents involving the theft of Poppy Appeal money.

POLICE have warned those with collecting tins on their premises to ensure they are fixed down after two incidents involving the theft of Poppy Appeal money.

On Monday, as volunteers counted the takings from the appeal collections, the Royal British Legion's own tin was stolen.

Last week a Poppy Appeal tin was broken into in St Peter's Church, Sidford, and money taken.

A Sidmouth police spokeswoman said of the Sidmouth incident: "The tin was taken between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Monday, and we have no idea how much money was in there.

"If anyone witnessed the theft or suspects, we would like to hear from them on (08452) 777 444, reference KS/08/788.

"We want people to be aware to keep tins away from public access or chain them up."

Sidmouth Poppy Appeal organiser Liz Langham, who was helping to count money at the time, said: "There really are some despicable people around. It must have gone when we were distracted. I know there was a £10 note in the tin."

Mrs Langham banked £500 on the first day of counting collections.