Update: LPD Busts Suspected 'Grinches'

Update: Dec. 13, 3 p.m.: The Lexington Police Department says it has arrested Tonya D. Smith and Amber Desiree’ Harmon, both of Leesville, in connection with the theft of children’s Christmas gifts from the Lexington Interfaith Community Services donation box at the  in Lexington (see surveillance and arrest photos at right).   

Both have been charged with Petit Larceny and are currently being held at the Lexington Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing, said police Chief Terrence Green.

“We appreciate the assistance of the public and the media in this case," Green said. "As a result of information received through tips to Crimestoppers and the exposure by the media, we were able to bring in the individuals involved and recover almost all of the items.” 

The two are alleged to have stolen coloring books, crayons, and at least twenty pairs of gloves donated by hotel patrons for needy children in the area, police said.

Original story: Christmas is supposed to be a time for giving -- not taking. Apparently, two women in Lexington didn't get the memo.

Lexington Police are seeking help in identifying two females who allegedly stole several childrens' Christmas gift items donated by patrons of a local hotel (see photos).

On the morning of Dec. 11, the two suspects entered the , located at 4920 Augusta Road in Lexington, and stole coloring books, crayons, and at least twenty pairs of gloves, said Lt. Matt Davis.

The items stolen were being collected by the Value Place Hotel for donation to the Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS) Christmas campaign.

Both suspects are white females and are believed to be 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches in height, and between the ages of 25-35.   

"LICS had a box out there and residents of the inn were actually donating gifts to the children. [In surveillance footage] you can see them come in and milling through some stuff and just walk out with a handful of items that were to be donated," Davis said. "It's crazy. It's crazy. I just don't understand it." 

Anyone with information in regards to these individuals or the crime itself should contact Lt. Davis at the Lexington Police Department at 803-359-6260, or call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (1-888-274-6372).