Someone Stole $1,000 From Monmouth County Fire Company's Christmas Tree Sales

Spring Lake Heights - Someone without a conscience stole a cash register from the Independent Fire Company No. 1 containing roughly $1,000 in proceeds from the department's annual Christmas tree sale, according to nj.com.

Fire Company Vice-President Casey Willms, is doubtful the money can be recovered.

"Most of it was in cash, so that's easy enough to hide," he said. "We don't have our hopes very high."

The thief took the register from the firehouse on Sixth Avenue. The money from the Christmas tree sales is used for maintaining the firehouse, he said.

The Spring Lake Heights police are investigating.

"We are upset and devastated to announce that we have been the victim of a real life grinch," according to a post on the fire company's Facebook page. "Be aware, be alert and be on the lookout for a horrible person who is not below stealing from a volunteer community fundraisers."

The tree sales will continue until the holiday, Willms said.

"We're kind of upset that someone would take advantage of a community organization," he said. "It's about the worst thing you can take. But we'll do what we always do and continue on."
Image: Independent Fire Co. No. 1.