Manitoba crime news — Selkirk RCMP are investigating after a woman walked out of a Dairy Queen in Selkirk with the store’s poppy donation box, a small red box holding about $30 to $35 meant for veterans and their families.
By Maplestime Manitoba Desk | Selkirk, Manitoba | November 5, 2026
Sources: CTV News Winnipeg | Last updated: November 5, 2026
Key Takeaways
- A poppy donation box holding about $30 to $35 was taken from the Dairy Queen in Selkirk on Monday, November 2.
- Security video shows a woman picking up the box, shaking it, then hiding it under her coat and leaving.
- Selkirk RCMP say a suspect has been identified, but no arrest has been made.
- The money in poppy boxes supports veterans and their families through the local Legion branch.
What Happened at the Selkirk Dairy Queen
Security video from the store shows a woman standing at the front of the counter. She picks up the poppy donation box, shakes it, then appears to put it under her coat and leave, according to CTV News Winnipeg.
The theft happened on Monday, November 2. The box held an estimated $30 to $35 in donations for the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign, which runs from October 24 to November 11 this year.
Store owner Jinav Patel told CTV the woman had been in the store before asking for free food, and staff had obliged. On Monday she returned asking for food at no charge. Staff said no, and that is when the box was taken.
“It’s feeling from the heart, it’s not appropriate at all,” Patel said. “She just stands at the counter and she was trying to take advantage.”
Patel said he wants other stores warned. “Try to let the town know that this happened to our store and not going to happen to other stores.” The store’s manager posted the security video on social media to warn other businesses.
What the RCMP Said
Selkirk RCMP confirmed they are looking into the theft. In an emailed statement to CTV News, police said: “The Selkirk RCMP is aware of the theft and have launched an investigation. A suspect has been identified but no arrest has been made.”
CTV did not report a public tip line for this case.
Where the Poppy Money Goes
Allan Coumont, poppy officer for the Selkirk Legion branch, said the theft hit hard. “Totally disgusted by it, but what can you do,” he said.
Coumont said the money collected in poppy boxes goes to help veterans and their families close to home. “Say there’s someone in a personal care home, if they needed maybe a lift chair, you know something that they need, they apply for it.”
Related: Missing Mother and Newborn Baby November 5 2026: Manitoba RCMP Say Azja Berens Might Be in Winnipeg
Maplestime will provide updates from the Selkirk RCMP investigation as announcements are made.
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Should stealing from a poppy box carry a tougher penalty than an ordinary theft? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Manitoban who wears a poppy this week.
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