A SHOP owner is amazed by the community support after his window was smashed by offenders attempting to steal items on display for the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.
Jay Printers, in Denmark Street, Wokingham, had several items on display including two replica medals – the Victoria Cross and George Cross.
Shop owner Keith Campbell, who does a display for the appeal every year, believes the culprits targeted the window on Friday night (October 27) believing the medals may be worth something.
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He found the window splintered the following morning and emergency safety film was put in place. The damage will cost about £1,000 to repair.
However, Mr Campbell has been amazed by the support of the community who have donated money to a GoFundMe page launched by David Dunham, who runs the Wokingham Poppy Appeal and helped with the display this year.
Over £1,200 has already been raised.
“People have just been amazing,” said Mr Campbell. “We’ve had loads of people coming into the shop and donating money towards the GoFundMe and the poppy appeal.
“I’ve been taken back. We’ve just had so many people come in to say sorry for what has happened and show their support.
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“It just shows you people do pick up things. Something good has come out of something bad.”
The shop owner explains he produces a display every year as his grandfather, Kenneth, fought in WWI. He survived despite being shot and Mr Campbell still has the bullet which was shot at him.
He said he visited the dry cleaners opposite the store on Saturday morning when he noticed the window looked splintered or like it had been splattered with white paint.
“Luckily the windows didn’t break,” he said. “It did have a bit of a hole and it splintered but it didn’t break.
“It looks like it was hit by a hammer and I guess when it didn’t break they just drove off. There were a few items but we do think they just wanted to grab the medals stupidly thinking they might be worth something.”
Writing on GoFundMe, Mr Dunham said: “We put an amazing window display in his shop, with some replica medals, only for some scumbag to smash his window - I feel so angry and upset for him.
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“[It’s] not fair and my thinking is that he helps the community and now it is time we show our thanks to him.”
Police were informed about the incident and have confirmed that an investigation has been carried out.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/keith-at-jays-printers
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