Thefts of poppy collection boxes are being investigated

The Royal British Legion has reported a spate of stolen boxes across Horley to Surrey Police.

Canon Peter Bruinvels, a member of the charity, said it was like "stealing from your own grandmother".

Police said a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with one theft, and the force had "promising information" about another suspect.

'Shops and hotels'

Insp Clive Davies said: "Surrey Police are aware some poppy collection boxes have been stolen from various locations in Horley recently.

"Officers from my Safer Neighbourhood Team have been working hard to gather information regarding these incidents.

"A man was arrested on Monday in connection with a Poppy box theft from Tesco, Hookwood, and officers have very promising information regarding a suspect for another incident."

The idea that the money is being put in and someone's just walking off with it is a disgrace Insp Clive Davies

Canon Bruinvels said the charity had reports of incidents at shops and hotels across the Horley area.

He said: "It's almost like robbing one's own granny.

"Those soldiers of ours are abroad fighting for us in Afghanistan and Iraq, and down the road guys have just walked in brazenly and stolen the poppy boxes.

"This is really terrible and I have reported it to the chief constable.