A COUPLE have been arrested after poppy tins were stolen from at least 14 different locations across Essex.
A 53 year-old man from Chelmsford and a 51 year-old woman from Tiptree were taken to Chelmsford Police Station for questioning.
The man remains in custody and the woman has been bailed until Sunday, December 7, while further enquiries are carried out.
Sgt Steve Rooney, investigating officer, said: "We have now had reports of 14 offences involving the theft of Royal British Legion poppy tins.
"In each case a tin containing donations has been taken and replaced with an empty one.
"The majority of these offences have been in Chelmsford but we are also aware of cases in the Colchester, Tiptree and Brentwood areas.
"Our investigations are continuing and if anyone else believes their poppy tins may have been tampered with or stolen I would ask them to call me or PC Ryan Morrison at Chelmsford Police Station on 101."
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