Lowest of the low ...veteran robbed of poppy cash
THIEVES who twice targeted an 84-year-old Army veteran as he sold Remembrance Day poppies were branded the “lowest of the low” yesterday.
Ex-Coldstream Guardsman Maurice Bastable was raising money for the Royal British Legion appeal when the thugs snatched two of his collection boxes stuffed with cash.
A day later, still reeling from the shocking theft, Mr Bastable returned to his regular spot – and the thieves struck again, grabbing a third container.
The shameless raiders stole about £1,500. Outraged people in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where Mr Bastable is well known as a fund raiser at The Malls shopping centre, have set up an online appeal to replace the stolen cash.
The crime is all the more upsetting with the centenary of the end of the Great War just nine days away.
Jon and Sheila Williams said: “We care about this. This disgusting and unacceptable act has hurt an old and caring ex-serviceman.
“But it’s also hurt the reputation of our town and those who need our support.”
Sue Sturge wrote: “Without heroes like this, we would not be living the life that we all have become so accustomed to.”
Angry Jean Goodwin added: “I cannot describe someone low enough to steal from a charity, especially this one.”
A donor called Lisa said: “Shame about the scumbags who don’t realise their freedom was given to them by heroes like this.”
Another said: “These people are the lowest of the low.”
Mr Bastable said: “I was very shaken up, as you can well imagine. We now have the four cash boxes on a chain.
“It certainly is sad that it’s come to this. I have never seen anything like this before – I’ve never been robbed before.”
The thieves first struck on Saturday evening and again when Mr Bastable returned the next morning.
Hampshire Police said two men aged 28 and 54 and a 24-year-old woman had been arrested on suspicion of theft.
They have been released under investigation, pending further inquiries.