Poppy appeal box theft - police 'could not be bothered'

Date published: 15 November 2007

A postmaster has criticised police who "could not be bothered" to view CCTV footage of a thief stealing a Poppy Appeal box from his store at the old Post Office building on The Esplanade.

Harbinder Singh Dhillon, 37, reported the theft to officers stationed 300 yards from his store at Rochdale Police Station, but claims police sent him a letter saying all lines of inquiry had been investigated without viewing the tape.

The story hit the TV news with employee Joanne Mallison interviewed on behalf of the store and footage from the security camera showing the thief smiling as he stuffed the Royal British Legion box into his tracksuit.

Mr Singh said: "I'm really upset by the theft as it is an insult to the brave people who have given up their lives for this country, but I think the lack of support from the police has angered me even more.

"It is only a minute walk from the police station to the post office but they could not be bothered to come down and see me.

"You can see this man clear as day on the footage and I'm sure officers would be able to identify him."

A police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of this case and are looking into the circumstances surrounding the way this has been dealt with so far. The case was closed by mistake."

She added an officer had now collected the video tape during a visit to the store.