SALEM, N.H. — Update: Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Anthony Helinski, of Lawrence. Helinski was processed on three counts of theft by unauthorized taking, two counts of criminal trespass and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Police are looking for a man who they say used a toddler to steal prizes out of a vending machine game at a mall in New Hampshire.
Several witnesses recorded video of the crime Friday evening at The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem.
Police say the man had the small girl climb into the bottom of the Key Master where prizes are dropped for winners and reach up and grab various items and hand them to him.
Police say the man, who also had a young boy with him, then left the area with the children and stolen items.
It wasn't clear what the items were, but such games often offer valuable electronics and gift cards.
Theft from Mall at Rockingham ParkAttached is a video from the incident Saturday night at the Mall at Rockingham Park. The video has intentionally been blurred out to protect the identity of the involved children. Anyone who recognizes the suspect in this case is urged to call Detective Dempsey at 603-890-2343 or message us here on Facebook. Thank you!
Posted by Salem NH Police Department on Monday, September 17, 2018
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