Poppies were thrown to the floor and a charity box was stolen in Ipswich on Remembrance Day, police say.
The incident happened in Chesterfield Drive at about 6.30pm.
According to Suffolk police, a man stopped at a wall where the charity box was set up in the road.
He then threw the poppies on the ground and prised the money box from the wall.
Police have released two CCTV images as they appeal for witnesses to the theft.
The suspect is described as a white male and was wearing what could be a work uniform, police said.
Anyone who has any information, images or footage which could help the inquiry should contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference 37/72712/22.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here