Small Town Hunts for Man in Red Hoodie After He Casually Steals Family Pizza Shop’s Tip Jar

A family-run pizza restaurant in Maryland is appealing to the public for help identifying a man who allegedly walked into the business, grabbed an entire tip jar and calmly walked out while employees were busy preparing food.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. on November 3 at Rocco’s Pizzeria in Glen Burnie. Surveillance footage captured the man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt as he approached the counter, picked up the tip container and left the restaurant.

What makes the theft particularly frustrating for the owners is that the money inside had been left by customers to reward the employees who work hard serving the community.

Employees Returned to Find the Tip Jar Gone

Colby James, the nephew of restaurant owner David James, told CBS Baltimore that he and two other employees were in the back preparing dough for the dinner rush.

They had been away from the counter for approximately 15 minutes when they returned and realized the tip jar had disappeared.

The workers checked the restaurant’s surveillance cameras and discovered footage showing a man approaching the counter and taking the container before leaving.

They went outside to look for him, but he had already disappeared.

The jar reportedly contained approximately $30.

Although the amount was relatively small, James said the incident was about much more than the money.

“It’s kind of a slap in the face to us, but it’s more importantly a slap in the face to the people who come here constantly and support us, who like to put money in that tip jar,” he told CBS Baltimore.

Restaurant Says It Has Happened Before

The family-owned business has reportedly experienced a similar theft in the past.

James said the latest incident felt especially personal because he sees how hard his uncle works to keep the restaurant operating and make sure employees are taken care of.

He described the theft as a painful blow to the people who work there, particularly because the tips come from regular customers who want to show their appreciation.

The restaurant’s owner also took to Facebook to defend his employees, saying his hardworking team deserved better.

Community Asked to Help Identify the Suspect

Rocco’s Pizzeria has shared the surveillance footage online and appealed to anyone who recognizes the man to provide information.

The incident has also prompted an outpouring of support from customers and members of the local community, with some expressing anger over the theft and others offering to help keep an eye out for the individual.

The Maryland State Police Department was contacted for comment, according to reports.

For the restaurant’s employees, the stolen $30 represents something more meaningful than a few bills and coins. It was money left behind by customers who wanted to recognize their hard work.

And now, the family is hoping someone who recognizes the man in the red hoodie will help bring the incident to the attention of authorities.

Source: Dailymail