A THIEF stole a Poppy Appeal collection box from a popular social club in the latest of a spate of callous thefts that have sparked outrage among its members.

Nicky Nottage, who lives in Lambourne End, has been president of the Uplands Social Club in Green Walk, Woodford Bridge for the past three years. He said the box was stolen some time on the afternoon of Monday November 9, and is disgusted that a club member would steal from such a worthwhile cause.

The theft is the third of its kind in the last six months, after a Lifeboat Appeal collection box was vandalised before around £450 was stolen, as well as the money from a funeral collection in memory of a former member of the club.

Mr Nottage said: “The box was on the bar and it was there at 3pm because one of the members commented on how full it was. Then by the time someone else had come on shift behind the bar at 7pm it was gone. Whoever took it obviously knew that out security cameras were playing up on that day, so they picked their moment and just made off with it.”

“It takes all sorts I suppose, but this is as low as it gets. I know that things are hard in this day and age, but to think that somebody saw it in here and slipped it under the coat before walking out is just too much.

The club was opened in 1965, and has a membership of between 400 to 500 local people, some of whom use the club on a regular basis.

Mr Nottage said: “It's a nice little social club down here, quite quiet, with lots of family members and now this has happened, it just beggar's belief. We've never had any problems there in the past, and then we get three heartless thefts in the last 6 months. It really leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”

Anyone who has information on the theft is urged to contact the club on 020 8270 1404.