Calgary man charged in string of poppy box thefts

A Calgary man now faces charges in connection with three poppy box thefts around the city.

Officials say the manis known to police.

Police saynine cases have been reportedso far this year although the Calgary Poppy Fund says the number of boxes taken ismuch higher.

• Poppy box thefts on the rise, says Calgary administrator

Staff Sgt.Craig Skelton says the boxes are targeted because they are easy to take.

"Certainly the three cases we laid charges in, the offender distracted the clerks in the stores to draw their attention away from the boxes and then had an opportunity to remove them when no one was looking," he said.

But Skeltonis not surewhy someone wouldcommit such a crime.

"It's difficult to say, it's unfortunate with all the services that are available topeople if they find themselves in a position where they aredown on their luck," he said.

"There are lots of avenues that they canexplore in Calgary. It's really unfortunate [theyare] taking money used for programs for our veterans."

The Poppy Fund uses the sale of poppies every year to supportveterans, their spouses and their dependants.