A HEARTLESS thief has taken swiped a charity tin full of donated cash for a restaurant’s poppy appeal.

Mangetout Grill and Steakhouse, in Tylers Avenue, Southend, fell victim to the opportunist on Saturday night at about 7.45pm.

CCTV footage released by the restaurant shows the hooded suspect wandering into the restaurant’s unguarded reception foyer.

They went on to quickly survey the area before putting the Royal British Legion tin into their bag, just seconds before two diners entered the foyer from the restaurant.

Mikey Glenister, social media manager at the restaurant, slammed the theft and urged businesses to be on their guard.

The 32-year-old said: “It’s really sad to think somebody would do this, particularly for a charity which does so much good.

“We’ve released the footage to try and catch whoever is responsible for this, and to remind other businesses to be on their guard.

“We’ve heard this has happened to a few businesses, it’s horrible to think somebody would go so low and do this.”

The incident prompted a furious reaction on the restaurant’s Facebook page, with some questioning the security measures in place.

Kristöf Holméz said: “It beggars belief a charity box would be left unchained and out of the view of staff like this right on top of the entrance.

“In this day and age it should be chained as an absolute minimum. 

“I know we shouldn’t have to but that’s just how it is I’m afraid. Prevention is better than cure.”

Dan Hutson said: “I hope the thief is caught and made to return the collection tin stolen and double the contents with their own money.”

Alan Manson says he is optimistic that CCTV in the area will help police.

He said: “This is shocking that someone could blatantly walk in and steal from under everyone’s noses but worse still it disrespects the people who gave their lives for ours.

“I hope they catch them as there is plenty of CCTV around Southend for the police to trace them.”