Police investigating cruel baby hospice theft issue description of prime suspect

[dutchman]

Police hunting a despicable thief who tricked their way into a baby hospice and stole a charity tin have issued a description of the suspect.



The con-artist went to Zoe’s Place in Easter Way, Ash Green and asked staff if she could sell sweets for charity before asking to use the toilet.

When she had left staff discovered that the tin, containing £150, had been swiped.

The theft cause public outcry and since then more than £500 has been raised by angry supporters of the charity to make up for the cash that was stolen.

Now police have issued a description of the prime suspect following the theft on December 9.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said she is believed to be white, in her late 20s, with long dark hair tied back with a beige hair band.

At the time of the theft she was wearing a grey coat, black scarf, tights and boots and carrying a large black shoulder bag.

Mich McCann, fundraising boss at Zoe’s Place, said: “It isn’t just about the money which has been raised, of course it is important to us, but what else can this woman do?

“She could be taking that box anywhere, and posing as someone raising money for Zoe’s Place.”

If you have information, or recognise the woman’s description, call Warwickshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

[dutchman]

Low-life thief who stole cash from baby hospice is now posing as a FUNDRAISER

A thief who stole a charity tin from a baby hospice is believed to have been seen trying to collect donations from businesses in the city.

The suspect may now have been posing as a fundraiser for the hospice, and collecting donations from other businesses.

On Friday January 20, a woman believed to be the suspect, went round an industrial estate in Holbrooks “collecting money for the hospice”.

Employees at Dulux Decorating Centre in Holbrooks recognised the woman after the Telegraph revealed a description of the prime suspect.

It is thought the woman struck the decorating centre and other businesses on the industrial estate last Friday.

One of the employees said: “The woman came in and said she was collecting on behalf of Zoe’s Place.

“We did not think anything of it at the time, and it wasn’t until the following morning when we saw on the Telegraph’s website the story about the stolen tin.

“It all came into place when we realised she looked like the same woman that was described on the article, and she was even wearing the same clothes.

“We want to make people aware of this and to look out for this person.”

Mick McCann, fundraising manager at Zoe’s Place said: “The Dulux Decorating Centre got in touch with us and we got straight on the case.

“We are urging people not to give any money to anyone who comes round asking for money on behalf of Zoe’s Place.

“If you are approached do not give any donations and please call the police and the hospice.”

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said: "We are advising members of the public to be wary of donating cash to a children's cancer charity in north Warwickshire after a collection box was stolen.

"The box was reported stolen from Zoe's Place in Easter Way, Coventry just after 4pm on 9 December last year after a woman had been behaving suspiciously in the shop.

"We have now received reports that a woman matching the description has been visiting buisnesses in the Holbrooks area of Coventry and may also be in other areas."

The woman is described as white, in her late twenties with long dark hair. At the time of the theft she was wearing a grey coat, black scarf, tights and boots and was carrying a black shoulder bag.

PC Anne Derbyshire said: "We know that people are very generous and keen to donate to charities such as Zoe's Place, but we want to make sure that their donations are going to the right place.

"If anyone asks you for money, even if they have what appears to be a genuine collection box, ask them for personal identification before handing anything over.

"Also, if you have information about the theft of the box, or recognise the description of the woman, please contact us."

[dutchman]

Woman arrested over Zoe's Place baby hospice collection tin theft

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a collection tin from Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

The 32-year-old was arrested in Coventry this morning after the theft of the charity tin, and further allegations that she was posing as a Zoe’s Place fundraiser.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “A 32-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the theft of a charity collection box from a children’s cancer charity.

“The woman was arrested in Coventry this morning, Wednesday 25 January, by officers from West Midlands Police.

“Warwickshire Police had received reports of the theft, which occurred in December last year, and subsequent allegations of a woman claiming to be collecting money on behalf of the charity.”

The woman is currently in custody where she will be questioned by West Midlands Police officers.