Fort Worth thief steals $450 from Girl Scout's cookie stand

FORT WORTH, Texas - Police are trying to identify a man who stole a bag of cash from a Girl Scout cookie stand in West Fort Worth. They shared surveillance video of the incident.

It happened Sunday, Feb. 11 around 2 p.m. outside the Walmart on Clifford Street near White Settlement Road.

Video shows the young man in a hoodie grab the cash right off the cookie stand as he walked out of the store. He ran off and has not been caught.

Police released a picture of their suspect in hopes someone could catch him.

"We are talking about a little girl here. A little girl trying to sell Girl Scout cookies," said Officer Brad Perez with the Fort Worth Police Department.

The video shows the Girl Scout and her mother were visibly in shock when it happened.

"Around $450 in cash is what was stolen. There have people reaching out to the detective to see how they can help," said Perez.

The man took the bag from a cart behind the table where the Girl Scout was selling her cookies, right outside the exit.

Many other shoppers are seen walking out and standing around the area.

FOX 4 talked to third grader Brooke Martinez, who is in a different Girl Scout troop, who was selling cookies at a bowling alley in Fort Worth Monday.

Her grandmother, Kathy Taylor, was emotional after she saw the video.

"It almost made me cry. Because it’s hard work, they work hard for this," Taylor said.

This is her granddaughter's third year selling cookies.

She keeps the money they make hidden and says it is easy for people to let their guard down.

"You trust everyone. Girl Scouts trust everyone and Girl Scouts are honest, and they think everyone is, but it’s a hard lesson learned," said Taylor.

Girl Scouts also take donations in lieu of cookies.

Officer Perez told FOX 4 multiple people are already contacting them to get in touch with that family to help pay back the lost revenue.

If you can help identify the man, you are asked to call Fort Worth police.