Police have released CCTV footage of two men believed to be behind a spate of poppy tin thefts in Solihull.
The first video is from the Meriden Tea Rooms on Fillongley Road on 27 October.
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The second clip shows a man attempting to take a tin from the One Stop convenience store in Knowle a few hours later.
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The video shows a member of staff catching the man in the act after he cuts the string attaching it to the counter.
Police said other tins were successfully stolen from a pharmacy, an off-licence, a butcher's, and a dry cleaner's in a short period of time.
Inspector Allan Green from Solihull said:
There are no circumstances under which such thefts are justifiable. This is a wicked and deplorable crime and we need the public to help us catch those responsible.
This money was intended for service men and women, veterans and their families – people who have risked their lives for our country, and the loved ones of those who gave their lives doing so.
From our CCTV inquiries, it appears one man usually removes the tin while the other acts as a distraction to anyone who may try and disturb him.
Green said police were doing all they can to track down the men, but for now businesses with poppy tins are urged to be vigilant.
Police described the first suspect as white, 6 feet tall, of a slim build, and in his 20s. He is often seen wearing a distinctive-checked deerstalker hat.
The other man is described as black, around 5 feet 11 inches, of a medium build, and also in his 20s.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
West Midlands police said on Tuesday the men had been identified following the release of the CCTV footage.
The force said in a statement: "Just one hour after an appeal was circulated on social media to find two men wanted in connection with poppy tin thefts in Solihull and the pair of suspected thieves have been identified."
Detective Inspector Darren Lee said on Monday: "Our appeal got a really great response on social media and as a result of calls from the public, we have now identified two men we wanted to speak to about the thefts.
“We have already arrested a 21-year-old man from an address in Seashell Close, Coventry, this afternoon over the offences and we are actively trying to find a second man.
“I would like to thank all those who shared the appeal to trace the men and also, those who called in with the information."