Crime & Safety
Doughnut Shop Clerk Charged with Stealing from Customer's Purse
Police said Helena DaSilva, of Bristol, stole cash and an iPhone from a customer who left her purse behind at the Portsmouth Dunkin' Donuts.
A former employee of Dunkin’ Donuts on East Main Road in Portsmouth is facing larceny charges for allegedly stealing an iPhone and cash from a customer’s purse that was accidentally left behind.
Police charged Helena DaSilva, 41, of 11 Seagull St., Bristol, with larceny Dec. 12 at 6:19 p.m.
Police said DaSilva stole $182 and an iPhone from the purse.
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Police said a review of store security video showed DaSilva take the purse into the bathroom and walk out a few minutes later empty handed.
A customer later noticed the purse and reported it staff.
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The store manager reported the alleged theft on Dec. 10. He told police that he got a call from a customer on Dec. 5 asking if they had the purse.
The purse by then was secured in the office.
The customer came to pick up the purse and discovered the theft, prompting the manager to review the surveillance video.
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