LYNNWOOD, Wash. — New surveillance video shows what appears to be a suspect stealing jewelry worth thousands of dollars from a Lynnwood nonprofit thrift store — not just once, but twice within the last three weeks.
"This is the largest theft we've experienced at Bella's Voice," said Ava Kreinheder, assistant manager for Bella's Voice, a nonprofit with all proceeds from the sales going directly to caring for animals.
"So sad for us at the store,” said Kreinheder. “Unbelievable that someone would steal twice from a nonprofit thrift store." The new store location just opened off Highway 99 in Lynnwood in September.
KING 5 obtained surveillance video from the nonprofit, which shows the suspect stealing a necklace from the jewelry case on Nov. 21. KING 5 blurred his face because he has not yet been arrested or charged.
On Dec. 12, the store had locked the case, but employees didn't realize the man they were dealing with was the same thief from November. Until he tried on a ring and refused to give it back, then made his way to the exit.
According to Kreinheder, due to the store’s safety policy, employees are advised not to physically confront a customer in attempts of stopping a theft from happening.
"This goes beyond taking a couple of items,” said Kreinheder. “These are items that together value at $2,400. That money could have gone to support animals in need, it could've gone to support our pet food bank."
She said with $10, the Bella's Voice nonprofit is able to feed an animal for a week. So the loss of nearly $2,500 is devastating.
Both crimes have been reported to the police.
"We hope that justice will come. And you will have an appropriate punishment for your crimes," said Kreinheder of the suspect.