Caught on Tape: Donation Jar Thefts

Duo swipes three donation jars in one day: police

Surveillance video helped catch a man and his accomplice who were allegedly stealing money from donation jars in Haddonfield, N.J., police said.

Video reportedly shows 56-year-old Patrick Novak and 47-year-old Angeline Johnson, both of Pennsville, enter Haddonfield gift shop, Jamaican Me Crazy, on March 17 before parting ways once inside. Johnson is seen walking towards the back of the store while Novak stands by the counter.

As the clerk turns his back, Novak allegedly swipes the donation jar and immediately exits the store. Seconds later, Johnson leaves.

This was only one of three donation jars reportedly stolen on St. Patty's Day -- two others were taken from The Bistro at Haddonfield and Harrison's, both businesses located on Kings Highway. Police believe the duo committed all three crimes.

When asked what he had to say, Novak replied with "nothing" before being hauled off to county prison on unrelated charges.

Johnson was released and also didn't have much to say -- swiping away NBC Philadelphia's Rosemary Connors' microphone -- as the alleged theif rushed to her car.

All three jars belonged to Furrever Friends Pet Rescue, a non-profit no-kill cat rescue that aims at providing for homeless animals.

"We struggle like everyone else struggles and we were very disturbed that people were stealing money that folks had kindly donate to us, hoping it would go to a good cause," says Suzanne Pomeroy, who works for the organization.

Pomeroy believes no more than $250 could have been in the jars, but it would have helped place homeless pets into loving homes.

Both Novak and Johnson are charged with theft.

For those who want to help, donations can be made to Furreverfriends.org.

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