ORANGE — Andrew Robinson, 39, of Orange, was arraigned on numerous charges in Orange District Court on Dec. 13 following his arrest by Orange Police in connection with the theft of a Salvation Army donation kettle last month. He was arrested on warrants out of Orange and Athol and released after posting a $50 surety bail.
The Athol warrant was issued after Robinson allegedly made off with a Salvation Army donation kettle that was being attended by a volunteer outside the Market Basket at North Quabbin Commons. In addition to larceny from a person, he also is facing charges by Athol Police of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license (subsequent offense) and negligent operation. Court documents indicate the kettle contained an estimated $174 in cash.
According to the police report filed with the court, Athol Police Officer Elizabeth Unaitis responded to a 911 call and arrived at Market Basket shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12. She was told by the Salvation Army volunteer that a man exited the driver’s side of the van he was driving but left the door open. After he feigned making a donation, the man allegedly grabbed the kettle with both hands, ran back to his van, and sped out of the shopping center.
A review of surveillance video confirmed the report given to police by the volunteer and two other witnesses to the event.
Police determined the identity of the alleged thief after a picture from Market Basket was posted on Facebook along with a request that anyone recognizing the individual contact authorities. The police report says several calls were received within minutes from individuals identifying the man as Andrew Robinson of Orange.
The day after the theft at Market Basket, Robinson also allegedly made off with cash from two stores in Orange, according to police.
While working the day shift, Orange Police Officer Tim Powling, located a van fitting the description of the vehicle used in the kettle theft parked on Fairman Road. A check determined that the plate on the van belonged to a car registered to MJ Transportation of Southwick.
While waiting for the van to be towed, Officer Powling received notification of a theft at Stop n Save gas station on South Main Street that occurred the previous day. Video footage from the store reportedly showed Robinson as being involved in the theft. Robinson was also identified as having allegedly stolen from Daniel Shays Package Store and Flagg’s Fly & Tackle.
Robinson was subsequently charged with two counts of larceny from a person, larceny of a motor vehicle, and operating without a license. He was also charged with larceny under $1,200 and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for allegedly stealing a car from the residence of his mother and father in Orange in May.
Robinson is due back in court on Feb. 10 for a pretrial hearing. Circumstances surrounding his arrest were not available.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.