Police are investigating after it was discovered nearly two dozen poppy boxes have been stolen from a number of locations in Brantford.

The thefts were discovered as members of the Royal Canadian Legion began to collect the boxes after Remembrance Day.

Police say the 22 boxes are believed to have taken between November 2 and 11. In some cases more than one box was taken from the same location.

Brantford police Const. Natalie Laing says “At a couple of different locations he was seen placing a poppy box inside of his backpack. In another incident he was seen stuffing it inside his coat.”

It is also possible that more than one person was involved in the thefts.

Combined, the boxes are estimated to have contained over $1,000 in donations.

Betty Massicotte, secretary-treasurer at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 90, says “There’s always been the odd one or two, but this year has been the worse I’ve ever seen.”

The suspect is described as a white male, 35 to 45 years old, 5’7” tall, 170-190 pounds, with a scruffy dark beard and shoulder-length hair.

An image taken from video surveillance has also been released.

Investigators continue to speak with business owners and employees to try to get more information on the thefts.

Police are hoping anyone with information will contact them at 519-756-0113 Ext. 2208 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

All the money collected during the poppy drive is used to help veterans and their families.