A THIEF stole a Poppy Appeal box from the counter of a Winchester shop.

The snatch of the collection for the Royal British Legion happened at the D&G Hardware shop in St Georges Street last Thursday.

Toby Roberts, director, said: “These people are prepared to do anything. It has stunned us that people are prepared to stoop so low.”

It was unclear how much was taken although Mr Roberts said the box was nearly full.