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Woman Seen Stealing From Toys For Tots

SHAMOKIN — Police say they need help finding a thief.  A woman was caught on security video stealing toys out of a Toys for Tots bin at a CVS in Northumbe...

SHAMOKIN -- Police say they need help finding a thief.  A woman was caught on security video stealing toys out of a Toys for Tots bin at a CVS in Northumberland County.

Police say customers saw the woman acting suspiciously last week at CVS on Independence Street in Shamokin. That's when employees reviewed the security camera footage and saw the woman steal a bag of toys.

CVS on Independence Street is one of many drop-off locations for Toys for Tots in Shamokin. But now employees say they are keeping a close eye on the drop-off box.

"I was thinking who in their right mind would do that? That program is for help, and you're going to steal from something to help you?" said Amanda Derck of Shamokin.

There are Toys for tots boxes at businesses all across the country and people can come put toys in them for kids of all ages. The toy boxes are not guarded. It works on a trust system and that trust was broken in Shamokin.

According to Shamokin police, customers say the woman looked suspicious, so they reported it to employees. That's when the store reviewed the security pictures and saw her reach into the bin and steal a plastic bag filled with toys.

numb toys theft 2

Many people in Shamokin say they do not have sympathy for the woman even on the chance that she might have been trying to get Christmas presents for her own kids.

"I think it's sad, really, that people are taking from kids that need those toys. If you need toys, go to another shelter and ask for them instead of taking them," said Diana Haas of Irish Valley.

"Maybe they don't have the money for their own, but still, you don't do that. You just go on with your business. Sign up for donations and this and that," said Gary Long of Shamokin.

"If that person needed that, she could have easily signed up for the help. There's no reason to steal, especially around the holidays because it hurts. People are going to think that person is a monster even if she was just trying to help," Derck added.

Police say no arrests have been made, but even if the woman was taking Christmas presents for her children, they would still press charges because a crime was committed. Anyone in need of assistance this holiday season can contact Toys for Tots or the Salvation Army.

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