Thief Nabbed After Stealing Charity Boxes in City of London
A man has been deported to Germany after serving 10 weeks behind bars for stealing charity collection boxes across the City of London. Jorge Buyukyoaidis, 54, who has no fixed address, swiped eight boxes—including six belonging to the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal—over a 10-week spree.
Caught in the Act by Plain-Clothes Cops
Buyukyoaidis was tracked down by two plain-clothes officers on patrol in Cheapside. They recognised him from CCTV footage and arrested him while he was trying to cash in just £36 in loose change from the stolen boxes.
Police Condemn Crime Ahead of Remembrance Day
Sergeant Bruce Howell of City of London Police slammed the crime as “despicable,” saying:
“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 boxes was stolen on Armistice Day itself.” “Buyukyoaidis stole a further two charity boxes and tried to swipe a ninth. It’s clear he meant to keep preying on charities.” “The sentence sends a strong message: if you come to the City to steal, you will be identified and swiftly arrested.”
Buyukyoaidis has now been deported back to Germany after serving his sentence.
