Police In NJ: Suspected Shoplifter Swiped Christmas Toys From Police Station, Then Returned Them

WAYNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- This grinch's heart apparently grew three sizes.

On his way out of police headquarters in Wayne, a suspected shoplifter snatched two toy trucks being collected for the less fortunate Friday night, cops said.

Capt. Laurence Martin said police saw the crime on surveillance video. However, "the other night it was discovered that the trucks were returned with a note," he said.

Staroben Louis, 22, was arrested and charged with shoplifting at Lord and Taylor, Martin told WCBS 880's Levon Putney.

"Then when he was completed with the criminal processing on our end, he felt free to help himself to two Hess trucks that were on a pile of Toys for Tots," Martin said.

In his note, the thief wrote that he was sorry and he took the toys for his 4-year-old cousin.

"We got the toys back," Martin said. "Some kids are going to enjoy them, which is the important thing."

Martin said Louis will still face a theft charge in addition to the shoplifting charge. But the captain said that since he returned the toys he'll ask the judge to go easy on him.

"Humanity goes a long way," Martin said said.