The theft of seven poppy appeal collection boxes has been condemned as sickening and disgusting.

One poppy tin was stolen from the Co-Op convenience store on Upper High Street, Epsom, on Remembrance Sunday just before 2pm.

Two men and a young girl walked into the convenience store and while one man distracted the sales assistant, another was seen to cut the cord securing the poppy tin before stealing it.

The first man is described as white, in his 20s, around five foot nine with short brown hair.

He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and a black hooded top. The second man was white, in his 20s and has a bald head.

He was wearing a black and white stripped T-shirt, blue jeans and a black hooded top.

Investigating officer Sarah Martin-Loat, of Epsom CID, said: “I am asking anyone who recognises these two men or who has information about the theft to contact police.

“Stealing a charity box is a particularly despicable crime and we are doing everything we can to catch those responsible.”

A second collection box, filled with almost two weeks worth of donations, was taken from the counter of Superdrug in Worcester Park, Central Road, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 10.

The empty container was found by a street cleaner on Central road on the morning of Friday, November 11, while many were preparing to attend Remembrance services and observe a two minute silence in honour of those lost at war.

Reacting to the crime, one reader of the Worcester Park Blog said: “Sickening and disgusting.

“I hope they catch the scum who did this.”

A third collection box was reported stolen from Barclays bank on the high street in Epsom on November 5, three days after the poppy appeal was launched.

Further collection boxes have been reported stolen from locations across Surrey including Weybridge and Surrey University.

Peter Bruinvels, British Legion county field officer for Surrey, said: "My feeling is that these people could not stoop any lower.

"It’s as bad as robbing from one’s own grandmother.

"This money is greatly needed for those in need, people who have been injured, and their families.

"It’s totally irresponsible and sickening."

Anyone with information on should call the police on 101 quoting reference number EP/11/5025, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.