Donation box stolen from store in Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- A donation box was swiped from a convenience store in Bridgeport. Two thieves worked together in the operation.

Two men walked into Marina Market on Reservoir Ave and walked out with nearly 200 dollars meant for people in need.

"I'm sad. I'm very sad for what's going on here, like why took the donation box," said Haidar Ararar, the owner of Marina Market.

A man waited by the counter with his face is uncovered. He even noticed the surveillance camera but apparently that didn't stop his plan.

As the employee grabbed cigarettes for his friend, he nabbed the box, and dangled it as he walked out the door.

Not only were his sly tactics caught inside the store, but as he came down the stairs, eyes were watching as well.

The owner has a camera outside and they were able to get their get away car.

"They saw the car. They said someone's going to come over from detectives. They're going to come over and just track this," said Ararar.

He says detectives zoomed in on the license plate and hope to catch them.

Ararar plans to try to collect more donations. It's for Syria, where many are fleeing the country for their lives.

"Those people back home they need that money, they need the help. We try to help them with anything, clothes, food, money, anything," said Ararar.

They collected money for three months before and now it's back to day one. They even have to get a new box for their empty counter.