The teenage victim of a brazen theft says she’s overwhelmed by the community support she’s received since the upsetting incident.
University student Tessa Macleod, 18, is selling fundraising Cookie Time cookies at a spot beside Barry Curtis Park in Chapel Road, Flat Bush, to earn money to pay her rent.
She’s planning to be at the spot opposite 108 Chapel Road from 5pm-8pm every night until she sells all her cookies, or until about December 20.
As the Times recently reported, two men worked together to steal from her just after 6pm on December 8.
One of them distracted her by calling her over to her own vehicle, which was parked nearby, while the other man grabbed an ice cream bucket containing about $600 in cash off her table, and some cookies, and ran.
Tessa chased after the man who had grabbed the cash and cookies. She says she was told by eyewitnesses that he got into a van with two women and the man who’d distracted her.
The group headed south in the vehicle toward Clover Park.
Since the Times reported on the incident, numerous people have bought cookies from Tessa and donated money to her.
“People have been absolutely amazing,” she says. “So many people are stopping or walking past. Even people who have ordered cookies and I’ve delivered to their business.
“It’s been such a good response. Someone brought me dinner the other day and I had a mum and daughter give me roses and a Christmas card with $100 in it.
“Other people have donated money to me. I’ve made over half of what I lost back from people just giving me money.”
A pastor from a local church bought seven buckets of cookies from her and gave her $100 as well.
Tessa says she appreciates all the people who have stopped to show kindness.
“It’s a short interaction and it’s made my day. I go home every night and I’m like, ‘oh my gosh, amazing people!’
“I’m overwhelmed by how everyone’s been so lovely.
“It’s such a good community and after it happened I was like, ‘I don’t feel safe’, but I feel completely safe now because everyone driving past is looking out for me and everyone waves at me.
“And all the people who walk past, I feel like there’s people watching out for me.”
Tessa reported the theft to police and it’s being investigated.
People with information on the incident can phone police on 105 and reference the file number 241208/6046.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
