'Despicable' thief who stole Poppy Appeal boxes, deported after prison
29 January 2020, 12:23
A "despicable" thief who stole eight charity collection boxes, including six from the Poppy Appeal, has been deported after his prison sentence.
City of London Police tweeted on Wednesday to say that Jorge Buyukyoaidis, 54, who was jailed for stealing charity boxes, including six for the Royal Legion for their Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal, had been deported back to Germany.
Before Christmas Westminster Magistrates Court was told that heroin addict Buyukyoaidis arrived in the UK three months ago to find work, but had failed and was homeless.
Buyukyoaidis was arrested when two plain-clothes officers from the City of London Police recognised him from CCTV images while they were on patrol on Cheapside.
Sergeant Bruce Howell from the City of London Police said:
“This was a despicable crime, stealing money donated by the public to charities. At a time when most of us mark Remembrance Day, this man stole six collection boxes intended for the Royal British Legion. One of these collection boxes was stolen on Armistice Day itself.
“Buyukyoaidis stole a further two charity boxes and attempted to steal a ninth box: it’s clear that he intended to continue to prey on charities."
The two plain-clothes officers apprehended Buyukyoaidis whilst he was attempting to cash in £36 of loose coins.
