Hand in the cookie jar: Thief steals money from Girl Scout troop

CANAL WINCHESTER (WCMH) – A snatch-and-grab robbery outside a Columbus, Ohio Walmart sends a Girl Scouts troop home without their cookie sale profits.

Troop 2439 was just wrapping up their sales for the day outside of the Canal Winchester store when a man grabbed their money box from the table and ran.

Witnesses tried to stop the thief, but the suspect made off with nearly $600.

Troop leaders and parents say the funds were going to be used to fund a trip to Tennessee.

The Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council released the following statement:

“Safety is paramount to you and our girls. We are thankful no one was hurt and thankful to the people who tried to help the girls. We want to remind our troop leaders and moms to be diligent with safety and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Troop leaders have set up a GoFundMe page, and nearly $700 had been donated to the girls in the first hour of crowdfunding. To help the troop recoup their money, contact troop leaders at melblank78@gmail.com.