CONCORD - Tips from the public led to the arrest of a local man accused of stealing a donation can with cash in it for the Capital Region Food Pantry.

Thomas Burke, 29, of Concord was arrested Friday morning at 5 Market Lane.

He is charged with one count of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer.

According to news releases issued by police, the theft happened at about 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Irving (Circle K) gas station at 231 Loudon Road.

On that day, a man paid for gas and then took the donation can from the checkout counter and left the store. He got into the passenger side of a full-sized, gray or silver Chevy van. The right rear window on it apparently had been smashed out and was covered with plastic.

Police released photos of the thief taken from the store's surveillance system and, after receiving tips from the public, arrested Burke about 6:15 a.m. Friday without incident.

Burke refused bail and was detained in the Merrimack County jail pending arraignment today in 6th Circuit Court - Concord District Division.