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A Girl Scout cookie stand outside a Safeway in California became a crime scene when a 12-year-old girl and her mother were robbed at gunpoint, officials said Thursday.
At first, the robber, described as a male teenager, appeared to be just another customer approaching the Girl Scout’s cookie booth about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in Union City — but then he returned with a handgun, demanded cash from the girl and her mother, and fled, police say.
It’s been a big week for Girl Scout cookie-related crime: Saturday, a man in Philadelphia robbed an 8-year-old Girl Scout selling cookies outside her home, and an Oklahoma man was arrested after attempting to barter vodka for Girl Scout cookies.
In the Union City cookie caper, police officers responded by purchasing the victim’s entire remaining inventory of Girl Scout cookies, which were delivered to the Police Department on Thursday. They also donated personal funds to cover the loss from the theft.
“As far as cookies are concerned, we pretty much got everything that they had — Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, the whole bunch,” said Sgt. Steve Mendez, a spokesman for the Union City Police Department.
“As far as the response from our officers, it’s been awesome. I’ve been here for 27½ years, and I’ve never seen a response from a whole patrol staff this genuine,” said Mendez. “A lot of our officers have young kids, either in the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, so a lot of them have been there, sitting outside stores with their daughters — it hit home for them quite a bit.”
No arrests have been made in the Union City robbery. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call investigators at (510) 675-5275, or Detective D. Dejong at (510) 675-5227. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (510) 675-5207.
Filipa A. Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
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