Burglars take poppy appeal cash from club ALEXANDRA RUCKI

CROOKS have stolen Help for Heroes and Poppy appeal collection tins from a rugby club.

The yobs broke into Burnage Rugby Club, on Battersea Road, Heaton Mersey, in the early hours of Monday morning and took the two tins.

It is believed they contained around £200 which would have been donated to the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

The burglary took place just hours after the club held a fireworks display on Sunday, November 4, in conjunction with the Manchester Vineyard Church.

Many people attending the display gave generously to the two charities.

And the day before the fireworks, the club held a reunion luncheon for former members, who also gave generous donations to the collections.

The two tins were left on the bar of the club building and they were understood to have been full when they were taken.

The burglars also caused extensive damage to the building, smashing up two doors, the alarm system, CCTV, shutters and safe, which will cost the club money to replace.

Paul Moss, 58, general manager, said: “We consider ourselves a community club. We do a lot of work with Christies and other charities. How low can you get to do something like that?

“The luncheon club on Saturday – it is that kind of people who contribute a lot of money into the collection.

“A lot of the members have served in the military or have family members that have.

“As a club to have such a great weekend, where people were happy, it has now left a bad taste in our mouths, and with the church we work with.”

Paul is appealing for anyone with further information about the break in to get in touch or contact Greater Manchester Police.

A spokeswoman for GMP confirmed they were called to reports of a burglary at 2.45am on Monday, November 5.

Enquiries are ongoing and there have been no arrests so far.

Any witnesses or anyone with further information can contact GMP on 101, alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.