Nanaimo RCMP are hoping the public can identify this woman, seen on security cameras at the north Nanaimo Panago Pizza stealing a donation tin from the annual Poppy Campaign. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)

By Alex Rawnsley

grab and go

‘Lose their moral compass:’ woman wanted after north Nanaimo Poppy campaign theft

Nov 12, 2026 | 10:24 AM

NANAIMO — Local police are hoping the public can identify a woman seen in security footage stealing donations meant for Canadian veterans and their families.

Mounties say a woman walked into Panago Pizza on the Island Hwy. in north Nanaimo around 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, before picking up the donation box and leaving with it.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said they unfortunately see cases like this every year.

“There are one or two situations for people where they lose their moral compass. We have an individual seen on CCTV footage walking into a local restaurant…and grabbing the poppy donations and jar and leaving with it. Excellent video footage, we have the picture, and we’re hoping the public will be able to identify who this woman is.”

The suspect is described as having long blonde hair, wearing a black and white spotted toque, and holding a red purse.

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'Lose their moral compass:' woman wanted after north Nanaimo Poppy campaign theft

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It’s unknown how much money was inside the donation tin at the time of the theft.

O’Brien said unfortunately they have to deal with situations like this periodically throughout the year.

“Most people, they understand what it means, and they leave it alone. They should be secured, they should be emptied on a regular basis, and hopefully, prevent these from happening. These thefts, they happen every year, and it’s hard to understand why, and this person becomes public enemy number one for the next five days.”

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a second theft of poppy campaign donations was reported stolen from the Tim Hortons at Rock Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The individual was quickly identified by police.

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by Alex Rawnsley

‘Lose their moral compass:’ woman wanted after north Nanaimo Poppy campaign theft

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