Man Stole Donation Boxes From Westborough Stores: Police

WESTBOROUGH, MA — An Ashland man is facing larceny charges after police say he stole the donation boxes from two Westborough convenience stores. Alec Chin is facing three counts of larceny under $1200.

The thefts happened in two days, one after the other, police said. The first was on July 11 at the Alltown Mobil. Police said the man snatched the donation box that was sitting next to the cash register.

On July 12, the man went into Xtra Mart on Route 9 with the same plan — he grabbed the donation box and left. In both cases, police weren't sure how much money was in the boxes. Chin was spotted on surveillance video wearing the same outfit in both incidents.

Once police had a clear image of Chin's face, they sent it around to other stations in the area and came back with an ID in 12 hours, police said.

Chin was arrested and charged on Thursday and will be arraigned in Westborough District Court.