Pa. couple arrested for stealing holiday gifts left for trash collectors

EAST GOSHEN, Pa. (WTXF) - A couple has been arrested after police say they stole holiday gifts left for trash collectors in East Goshen, Pa.

The incident happened around 12:00 a.m. on Monday, December 11.

Members of the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police department responded to the 1200 block of Upton Circle for a suspicious condition.

A resident observed a man searching trash cans that were placed out in the neighborhood for trash collection.

Police arrived on location and discovered a Ford Explorer parked illegally on Upton Circle with a woman in the front passenger seat. They made contact with the woman. Shortly afterward, a man approached police at the same location.

Police determined that the man was the person seen searching trash cans and that both individuals came to East Goshen township together to look for gifts and tips left by residents for the trash collectors.

Police believe that prior to entering the township, the pair completed similar thefts on Mackenzie drive in West Goshen Township.

Trash in Goshen Downs was scheduled for pick-up by A.J. Blosenski trash and recycling services on Monday.

Police arrested 28-year-old Joshua Michael Swavely of Narvon, Pa. and 30-year-old Kimberly A. Verdi, of Essington, Pa. for theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, loitering and prowling at night.

Swavely was also charged with driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

The police department is reminding residents that the safest way to tip trash collectors or provide them with holiday gifts is to either hand deliver the gift directly to the team or contact the proper trash hauler for the jurisdiction.