Members of the public are being asked to keep an eye out for a biker and his passenger after a brazen, daytime theft from a children’s hospice donation bin.
At first, Stefany Leisz and her colleagues at Steveston Veterinary Hospital weren’t certain what they’d witnessed, such was the shameless manner of the theft at the corner of Gilbert and Francis roads on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Leisz, another man must have also clocked on to what was happening, as he apparently challenged the pair verbally before they took off on their motorcycle laden with four or five bags of items intended for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
The couple may have been watching and waiting for donations, as a car had dropped off some bags moments before they pounced.
“We were quite upset by it,” said Leisz, noting that many of the animal hospital’s clients donate into the bin.
“We thought, at first, they were picking stuff up for the charity but then realized, no, they were stealing the bags that had just been dropped off by two cars just moments before.
“Someone spotted what was going on and was yelling at them and words were exchanged, I think.”
Unfortunately, because the incident happened so fast, no one managed to grab the bike’s licence plate and, as a result, they didn’t think it was worth notifying the police.
They did, however, get a description of sorts, including that the pair rode in and out on a “black, newer style motorcycle.”
“I think they were maybe in their 60s. The woman had blonde hair and the man had a grey beard. Both were on the heavier side,” added Leisz.
Initially, not wanting to assume the worst, the veterinary staff phoned Canuck Place and inquired about their pick-up protocol.
They were told a marked truck does the pick-ups and don’t use anyone riding a motorcycle.
“Canuck Place accepts donations from the public...to raise money to help sick children and their families in B.C.,” said Leisz.
“We find it absolutely disgusting and appalling that someone would...steal from a company that helps sick children.
“We sincerely hope that karma comes knocking on these two individual’s doors. We take pride living in Richmond and being part of a community that promotes togetherness and basic morals.”
