CCTV footage captures thief in the act of stealing charity box

Dec 22 2012 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Echo

A THIEF stole a cash donation box right under the noses of staff at a jeweller’s shop.

CCTV images show the man entering the premises of Hallmark jewellers in Heswall, Wirral, and slyly concealing the box under his jacket before walking out.

Sophie Crellin, who works at the shop, started the collection for her best friend, who suffered a stroke at the age of 21 and needs constant care.

Sophie has been tirelessly carrying out fundraising on behalf of her friend, who she asked not to be named, including a skydive in September.

She said she was sickened by the actions of the thief and has put the CCTV images on Facebook in a bid to help police track down the culprit.

Staff members’ suspicions were immediately aroused by the behaviour of the man when he walked into the shop last Saturday morning.

Sophie said: “He was swaying as if he was drunk.

“He couldn’t keep his balance and was moving from side to side.

“We were immediately on the alert and refused to get out any jewellery for him.

“But it never crossed our minds that somebody would be so low as to steal a donations box.

“He leaned on the counter and pulled the box towards him so no-one could see what he was doing. Then he just walked out.

“He knew what he came in for and it all happened in a couple of minutes.”