Poppy appeal tins stolen from two Brighton shops

Police are trying to trace a man who they believe has stolen Poppy appeal tins from two shops in Brighton.

They have named the suspect as 41-year-old Martin Grimshaw, also known as John Martin Grimshaw.

They issued an appeal after the first tin was stolen from Sainsbury’s in North Street, Brighton, on Saturday (3 November).

Martin Grimshaw

The same man is believed to have stolen another Poppy appeal tin from Kamsons pharmacy in Lewes Road, Brighton, on Monday (5 November).

PC Claire Horner said: “We are keen to locate Grimshaw and talk to him about these offences and the sooner the better.

“Stealing from charities is one of the worst types of theft we have to deal with and we find it very hard to understand how someone could do this.”

Grimshaw is white, 5ft 11in tall and of  medium build. He has short dark hair and often has stubble.

Anyone who knows where he may be is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.