A search is underway for an opportunistic doughnut thief who tore away from a service station early this morning in a Krispy Kreme van.
The alleged burglar fled a servo in Carlingford, northwest of Sydney, Australia with 10,000 doughnuts in the van while its driver was inside paying at about 3:30 am (AEDT).
The vehicle was on its way to Newcastle to make a variety of deliveries, including Christmas-themed and classic doughnuts.
“Police are currently searching for the van and the sweet-toothed thief. It’s believed she jumped into the van as the driver was inside the service station,” Krispy Kreme said in a statement.
Police are searching for a woman, who is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, in her early 30s, with long black or brown hair. She was wearing dark clothing and carrying a white handbag.
The van, which police said was “regrettably not sprinkled with tracking devices”, is a white LDV van with NSW registration DG94MY.
“If you’ve got any sweet leads or Krispy CCTV footage, donut keep it to yourself! Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Head of Supply Chain at Krispy Kreme ANZ, Lenny Reddy, said despite the inconvenience, there had been minimal disruption to customers.
“Our Krispy Kreme team is working to replace the 10,000 stolen donuts, which are handmade fresh each day, at their intended destinations,” Reddy said.
“We are happy to advise that customers who were intending to purchase or who had orders placed at Krispy Kreme Charlestown will be able to get their doughnuts, as stock has already been replaced.
“Customers intending on purchasing Krispy Kreme doughnuts today are encouraged to visit the Krispy Kreme Charlestown store, where our friendly staff will ensure all orders are fulfilled.”
The company issued an apology to the people affected and expressed gratitude to NSW Police for its “swift response.”
It was currently giving all emergency workers a 50 percent discount on in-store purchases.