A BROMSGROVE barman and two customers chased down a thief who stole a poppy tin from a town pub.
The raider struck on Sunday afternoon – just a week before Remembrance Day – at The Golden Cross on the High Street.
Seeing the thief take the tin, and without thinking of his own safety, Harry and two customers pursued the man who had a bike waiting outside for his getaway.
The trio then wrestled the thief to the ground as he tried to get on his bike and retrieved the Royal British Legion collection box which contained cash for former servicemen and women.
During the chase, the thief shouted: “I need the money” to which heroic Harry replied: “So do the veterans.”
Afterwards the bar tender said: “It was a right thing to do.
“We are raising money for a fantastic cause and I was happy to put myself on the line to get the tin back.”
Modest Harry did not even want his picture taken so his colleague James is photographed above with the tins.
Bromsgrove Royal British Legion chairman Jeff Evans said: “This is a despicable act and I want to say a massive thank you to the Golden Cross staff and customers for their diligence and intervention.”
They have now been invited to the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade as guests of honour.
Fellow RBL member Jules Evans said: “Fund-raising is hard enough in this cost-of-living crisis without people trying to steal from hardworking Wetherspoon’s customers who are giving their change to the Poppy Appeal.
“Bromsgrove is a fantastic town with many people who support the Poppy Appeal every year without fail – and their efforts are greatly appreciated by the Royal British Legion.”
The Poppy Appeal tins have now been placed behind the bar to keep them secure but customers will still be able to donate by requesting their change be put into the containers.
