Crime & Safety

Thieves Steal Two Christmas Trees from Nearby Jeweler

Louis Anthony Jewelers' outdoor trees were stolen late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, according to Bethel Park police.

When  employees went to work Wednesday morning, they found two outdoor Christmas trees stolen from their planters.

Louis Guarino, owner of Louis Anthony Jewelers, said he filed a police report with Bethel Park police and is reviewing surveillance video.

He suspects at least two people were in on the theft. Each artificial Christmas tree was cemented into the planter with 20 pounds of concrete, totaling about 40-50 pounds each tree.

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"It's just ironic because more customers than ever before have commented on how beautiful the trees are this year," Guarino said.

Some customers have even brought their children to the storefront to take their Christmas card pictures with the trees.

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Jeff Donati, of Pete Donati & Sons florist shop in Bethel Park, made the trees and is now in the process of replacing them.

"It's ridiculous. I can't believe someone would take them. And they're heavy," Donati said. "If the trees are anywhere in the South Hills, I'm going to recognize them."

The thieves unplugged the lights from the big Christmas trees located behind the stolen trees. It's unclear if they were trying to diminish the light in the area, or if they intended on taking the big trees as well.

Bethel Park police told Guarino they would beef up security in the area.

"Hopefully the thieves donated the trees to an orphanage or to a good cause," Guarino said.

This story originally appeared on Upper St. Clair Patch.


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