March 28, 2024

Reader thankful for those who helped after pick-pocket theft

To the editor:

Friday, Aug. 23, I was the victim of a pick-pocket at Jimmy John’s in Newton. While I was waiting for my sandwiches to be prepared, an individual standing behind me slid my checkbook out of my back pocket.

The employees of Jimmy John’s noticed the individual lifting the checkbook out of my pocket and saw him leave the restaurant very quickly. Two of the employees chased the individual while a third called the Newton police.

While the employees were chasing the individual, they yelled for help. A U.S. Postal Service letter carrier then also followed the individual to the Newton Public Library. The Newton Police Department arrived and apprehended the individual inside the library.

The Newton police and I were informed the individual tossed something into the bushes outside of Bank Iowa. We assumed it was my checkbook. The responding officer, a couple of Bank Iowa employees, my wife and I searched for my checkbook to no avail.

My checkbook was recovered later that night inside the library by the custodian and librarians.

I have a great amount of gratitude for the employees of Jimmy John’s, the U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, Bank Iowa employees, the Newton Police Department and the custodian and librarians of the Newton Public Library. I am truly thankful for all their help that day.

In this day and time, it helped to restore my trust in humanity.

Marty Anderson

Kellogg