A Remembrance Day poppy donation box was swiped off the counter of a Tim Hortons in Coquitlam's Austin Heights neighbourhood early Friday morning.
Laurie Chapman, Coquitlam Legion #263's poppy fund chair, said the coffee shop is a popular location and the amount lost could range anywhere from $100 to $200.
"It is an amount that is supposed to be for veterans," she told The Tri-City News. "I think it is absolutely disgusting what they did."
After reviewing surveillance footage, managers at the Tim Hortons said they believe the incident occurred at around 4:16 a.m. on Nov. 2. Chapman said it is her understanding that multiple people may have been involved in the theft.
Staff at the Tim Hortons were aware the poppy box had been taken but did not notify police and the legion was only informed of the theft on Monday.
However, by Tuesday a report was filed with the Coquitlam RCMP and officers have been to the coffee shop to interview witnesses.
"Whoever it was, they were not regulars," Chapman said on Tuesday.
She is currently talking with Tim Hortons head office about getting a copy of the surveillance video. Once they receive the footage, she said she will forward it to police and they will have a better description of the suspects.
"At this point, we are still waiting for the video," she said.
@gmckennaTC
