Woman caught on camera stealing from donation jar

CLARKSTON, Ga. — Police are trying to catch a thief who, they say, stole money from a donation jar inside a Clarkston store.

Surveillance cameras captured the woman reaching into a donation jar at Finders Keepers consignment shop, in Avondale Estates. Police say she then walks out of the store with the cash, not realizing she was caught on camera.

“We were just stunned at how low somebody would go. We don't know her circumstance, can't pass judgment on her, but it was just disbelief that she would actually be that brazen,” said Finders Keepers manager Betsy Johns.

Johns says the money was to help a refugee from the war in Liberia. Kanu Biah moved to the United States 10 years ago and was depending on the money to help with college expenses.

“He was disappointed, as well. He has a really kind soul,” said Johns. “(He was) disappointed that someone would do that."

"There should be no circumstance that should make people steal from other people,” said Biah.

Biah says he wants to help others. He attends Middle Georgia College and says he wants to become a pilot so he can work for humanitarian relief agencies like the ones that helped him escape a war zone and make college possible.

Investigators say because the surveillance video is so clear, it’s just a matter of time before someone recognizes her. They just hope people do the right thing and turn her in.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment. Since reports of last month’s theft, dozens of people have donated. Biah says he's thankful and forgiving.

"What I've gone through, what life has taught me, has helped me become what I am today,” said Biah. “Tell her I forgive her, and hopefully she can stop doing what she's doing. Everyone needs a chance.”

WSBTV