4 Teens Charged With Stealing Salvation Army Kettle
ADDISON, Ill. (CBS) -- Four teenage boys have been charged with stealing a Salvation Army kettle from outside a Jewel grocery store in west suburban Addison.
The kettle containing $30 was taken Saturday afternoon outside the Jewel at 140 Lake St. in Addison. The thieves took the kettle, its stand and a Salvation Army sign, with a total value of about $750.
"We have two stands and bell ringers outside the Jewel's doors," Sue Linden of the Salvation Army said. "Our bell ringers went on break and the stand, sign and bucket were stolen around 2 p.m."
On Tuesday, four boys between the ages of 12 and 15 were arrested and charged with one count each of misdemeanor theft, Addison police Officer Megan Freeman said.
Police found the boys after surveillance photos were reviewed and a detective recognized two of the boys seen walking out of the store, Freeman said.
During an interview, the two confessed and led police to the other suspects, who also confessed, Freeman said.
Linden said thefts of the kettles are rare, but recalls someone trying to steal one last year in Lombard.
"We'd like to have it back or at least recoup the cost to have it replaced," Linden said. "It's a tough thing to happen to us during this time. It really makes things difficult."
(The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.)
