A teenager has been jailed for seven months for stealing Poppy Appeal charity boxes.

Elisha Lindsay, 19, of Waterhouse Street in Hemel Hempstead, admitted stealing the boxes from locations around Borehamwood at Hatfield Remand Court yesterday.

Boxes were taken from Ibis Hotel in Elstree Way on November 6, Gala Bingo in Shenley Road on November 9; and The Venue in Elstree Way on November 10.

Chief Inspector for Hertsmere Dean Patient said: “To steal from any charity is truly despicable.

“I am pleased that Elisha Lindsay has been given a prison term for her crime. This was excellent work by the Borehamwood Safer Neighbourhood and Local Crime Teams, who quickly identified Lindsay.

“I hope this serves as a warning to others who believe they can get away with such crimes that we will ensure they are brought to justice.”