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UPDATE: Suspect arrested in alleged theft of B.C. Children’s Hospital donation jar

Public tips helpful as RCMP make arrest Wednesday of man wanted on several outstanding warrants
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Police hope the public can help them identify a man suspected of stealing a jar of donations for B.C. Children’s Hospital. (Photo submitted)

Nanaimo RCMP arrested a man suspected of stealing a jar of donations intended to go to the B.C. Children’s Hospital.

According to a press release, the 27-year-old Nanaimo man was arrested without incident Wednesday on several outstanding warrants from Nanaimo and Victoria.

He appeared in provincial court in Nanaimo that same day and will serve 60 days’ jail time as a result of existing charges.

The theft of the children’s hospital donations is still under investigation, though the RCMP have identified the man arrested Wednesday as the suspect in the crime.

“Unfortunately … the stolen money was not recovered,” said Gary O’Brien, RCMP spokesman, in the press release.

“The Nanaimo RCMP would like to thank the public for the numerous tips that came in through the day and night,” said O’Brien. “This and information from our officers led to the male being identified as the person believed responsible for the theft.:

According to police, the theft happened at the Brooks Landing Save-On-Foods store Tuesday at about 3:10 p.m.

The 10-litre container that held several hundred dollars worth of coins was kept at the service desk. Employees reviewed surveillance footage when they realized the jug was missing, and the video showed the suspect walk up to the service desk, pick up the jug, then walk down a nearby aisle with it. He then stuffed the jug into a duffel bag he was carrying, took off his shirt then put on an orange T-shirt and walked out of the store.

“Our staff is devastated to think someone would steal money donated for sick children. We have supported the B.C. Children’s Hospital for years and we just hope the person responsible does the right thing and returns the money,” said David Malik, store manager, in a press release.