A charity tin full of cash for war veterans stolen during a brazen theft at Gateway Plaza on Saturday has been described as the “lowest of lows”. The empty tin was later recovered on Raglan Parade, but the $600 inside was gone.
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Police said on Sunday that one male had been interviewed while another had been identified.
No charges have yet been laid.
Police were reviewing the shopping centre’s CCTV footage to help with their investigation.
The two elderly ladies, aged in their 80s and 90s, who were selling the poppies ahead of the 100th anniversary of WWI, were left “badly shaken” by the theft.
Senior Constable Robert Wilson, of Warrnambool police, said only one of the women was at the stall at the time of the theft, and one of the offenders distracted her while the other ran off with the tin.
Warrnambool RSL sub-branch president and Vietnam veteran John Miles said the theft was “absolutely disgraceful”.
“The general public have been good enough to donate and some low-life does this,” he said.
“It’s the lowest of lows.
“I’m shattered.”
He said Saturday had been one of their best days takings and every cent that was collected would have gone to veteran welfare.
“What we could do for veterans with that $600,” he said.
Mr Miles said the two women were “pretty shaken up”.
“I find the whole thing gut-wrenching.”
