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CCTV image released by police of the alleged theft of a charity donation box from a Hastings service station - Source: Fairfax -
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Hawke's Bay police have arrested two men alleged to have stolen a charity donation box from a Hastings service station.
Hastings Senior Sergeant Brian Smith said two men, aged 28 and 20, were arrested this morning and will appear in court on theft charges this afternoon.
The men, from out of town, were found in Hastings by police owing to information provided by the public after CCTV images of the alleged theft were released yesterday.
No money was recovered.
Security camera footage released yesterday showed two people in the Z service station in Heretaunga Street, Hastings, on January 1.
While one of the pair bought cigarettes, the other allegedly took the donation box and hid it in his hoodie.
Hawke's Bay tactical co-ordinator Inspector Andy Sloan said the theft was brazen and disgraceful.
"Stealing a charity donation box is the lowest of the low. You can't go much lower than that and these people obviously have no scruples or morals whatsoever.
"Apart from depriving a worthy charity of useful donations, they have no qualms about committing a theft in broad daylight, in public and with other people nearby," he said.
The donation box was for Riding for the Disabled and it was not known how much money was inside it.