Wokingham shop window smashed as culprits target poppy appeal display

The damage caused to the shop will cost £1,000 to replace, the owner says

A shop window has been smashed in an attempt to steal items on display for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.

Jay Printers, in Wokingham, Berkshire, had a number of replica war medals on display to support the campaign.

Owner Keith Campbell found the damage on Saturday morning and said repairs would cost £1,000. A community fundraising page has been set up to help pay for it.

Police have filed the investigation pending further information.

Shop owner Keith Campbell's grandfather, Kenneth William Campbell, served during World War One

Mr Campbell arranges a display for the charity every year, partly in honour of his grandfather who fought in the First World War.

He said: "People have come in and said they're angry about it and upset because they can't see it now because of the plastic film over it."

Mr Campbell's grandfather, Kenneth William Campbell, fought during WWI and was shot going over the trenches.

Mr Campbell explained: "We've still got the original German machine gun bullet. He said he was one of the lucky ones because he just went over the top.

"He got 150 yards in searing pain and went straight down and then everybody was crying out because they were just laying out there, luckily someone dragged him back eventually."

Mr Campbell said customers had been expressing their anger at the incident

David Dunham, who runs the Wokingham Poppy Appeal, launched the fundraising page for the shop.

He said: "Somebody doing that, it's an insult to his grandfather and to all the other veterans.

"Money raised will help him pay for his window so he doesn't have to raise insurance premiums by making a claim."

Any money raised on top of the £1,000 target will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

Thames Valley Police said: "We received reports of criminal damage on Demark Street, Wokingham.

"An investigation has been carried out and has since been filed pending further information coming to light."

Mr Campbell believes the shop window was smashed in an attempt to steal replica medals on display

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