An Ilford RAF cadet squadron is appalled after donations it raised for ex-service men and women were stolen from a Poppy Appeal collection tin left in the boot of a car.

A thief, or thieves, broke into the boot of Gurdeep Johal’s car as it was parked up in Merton Way, in Seven Kings, on Sunday night (October 28) between 5.30pm and 7.30am the following day.

There the culprit(s) found a charity tin for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal containing an estimated £23 of donations collected by members of the 4F Squadron RAF Air Cadets, based in Horns Road.

David Stephens, the group’s civilian chairman, said: “Why would someone steal money intended for our ex-service men and women and their families?

“[This is] money stolen from people who have given much for their country by someone who has probably done nothing for anyone else.”

He added: “Our servicemen and women are ready to defend our freedoms and when, doing that task, they get injured, either physically or mentally, they deserve our support.

“That is the purpose of the Poppy Appeal.

“Stealing collected money is tantamount to stealing our support for those who richly deserve such support.”

The squadron will continue collecting for the Poppy Appeal over the next fornight and hope to make good the loss, David added.

The cadets will also commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War with a parade at the Ilford War Memorial on Sunday, November 11.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “Police received a report of a vehicle broken into at Merton Road, Ilford at 8.05am on Monday.”

She added: “An amount of cash, estimated at £23.00 was stolen from the vehicle this included a small amount of change from the centre console and the proceeds of a poppy collection tin.

“Officers from East Area Command Unit investigate.

“No arrests. Enquiries continue.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is asked to call East Area Command Unit on 101 quoting reference 4421887/18 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”