Tipsters Finger Gilley’s Tip Jar Thief: Cops

PORTSMOUTH, NH — An extensive number of tips to police helped investigators quickly develop a suspect in an alleged tip jar theft case from earlier last month, according to Portsmouth Police. Christopher McPhee, 21, of Oak Street in Dover, was arrested on Sept. 5, 2016, and charged with theft.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

According to police, on Aug. 28, officers were sent to Gilley’s PM Lunch at around 11 p.m. for a report of a theft from a tip jar. Investigators, according to Sgt. Kuffer R. Kaltenborn, determined that a customer stole tips from a jar that was on top of a corner after a clerk had turned her back to the suspect.

“As part of the investigation, security footage was obtained and a picture of the suspect was captured,” Kaltenborn noted.

Three days ago, police posted the information on Facebook and media outlets also shared the picture and video. The next day, both Portsmouth Police and Seacoast Crime Stoppers fielded “extensive” tips from the public and the suspect was “quickly, positively identified and interviewed,” according to Kaltenborn.

McPhee turned himself in on a warrant last night. Police estimated the theft to be about $60 in tips. He was processed and released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court on Sept. 24.

“The Portsmouth Police Department would like to express its gratitude to those community members, businesses and civic organizations who assisted in this matter,” Kaltenborn said in a statement. “Your contributions brought this investigation to a quick and successful resolution.”