A Coaldale man caught stealing items from a borough residence told police that he was doing it because he needed money for birthday presents for his child.

Coaldale police charged the man, Francis Chambers, 36, and Angela Mazzei, 30, also of Coaldale, with burglary and other offenses after they broke into the unoccupied home last Wednesday.

According to police, officers were called to East Howard Avenue at 8 a.m. for a burglary in progress. The caller said bags of items and a hand truck were outside the basement door.

Police contacted Lansford and Tamaqua police for assistance.

As officers arrived, Coaldale police found the basement door had been forced open while Lansford police saw a man running from the rear of the home.

Police said Mazzei was standing on a neighboring porch and asked police what was going on. She told officers that no one was inside the residence.

While investigating, however, police found a cellphone in the yard and learned that Mazzei had been sending messages to it. She was taken into custody.

Lansford police located Chambers in the area of Fifth Street and Howard Avenue and took him into custody.

Police returned to the home and found bags filled with items and a hand truck with a large antique record player.

Police said Chambers told police that was his child’s birthday and he did not have money to buy gifts.

Chambers told police, “I would not just take things from people but the lady is dead and I did it because I did not think anyone would care.” He told police he planned to sell the items.

Officers checked Chambers’ phone and found that Mazzei was texting him to tell him police had arrived at the property.

One of the messages said, “Cops!! Cops going in, get out or hide.”

Police charged both with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. Mazzei was also charged with false report to law enforcement and hindering apprehension.