Caught on camera: 2 children stole $500 in merchandise from White Plains business

A business owner in White Plains says two children pulled off a brazen theft in his store.

News 12 Staff

Jan 26, 2020, 4:19 PM

Updated 1,715 days ago

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A business owner in White Plains says two children pulled off a brazen theft in his store.
Security footage caught two young kids stealing $500 in merchandize from the Puzzle Parlor in White Plains Friday night.
The store’s owner says the kids returned to the establishment on Saturday and staff recognized them. He says they called police who then tracked the kids home.
One of the kids, a 7-year-old girl, was brought back to the building by her parents Sunday to apologize. 
The owner says he was glad to hear the apology.
"It was really touching because the family came in and said, ‘I'm sorry, I want this to be a learning experience,’” says the owner.
David Velders says his 7-year-old daughter and the other child were coaxed by older teens to commit the crime. Those teens are seen waiting outside the store in the security footage.
“I’m trying to get her to get an understanding of what’s taken place and how she’s being used,” says Velders.
The business owner invited the child to come back to have fun at his business and its escape rooms.
The girl's family says they plan to bring her back to the Puzzle Parlor to do chores as an apology.
News 12 has reached out to police about the case. Child Protective Services are involved in the investigation.