LAPD officers help family celebrate Christmas after thieves steal father's truck, tools

At first the surprise was a bit overwhelming for three sisters who weren't sure how to react when they walked into LAPD's Topanga station to find gifts just for them.

"This is all for the girls," Sgt. Stephen Bell, Los Angeles Police Department, announced.

The smiles came when seven year-old Carmen and her younger siblings Ariana and Allison started unwrapping Teddy-bears, toys and t-shirts.

"I'm so happy because it's good to have presents," Carmen said. "Kids get happy when they have presents and toys."

Christmas was anything but merry for the Tahvito children this year after their father Tomas had his work van stolen with all his plumbing tools inside.

"Six days I'm not working," Tomas Tahvito said. "All the holidays giving to my daughters only one gift because I don't have money."

"These criminals stole Christmas from the children," Bell said.

But officer's weren't going to let this case go.

When they found out the family was in need they quickly planned a belated celebration on Wednesday collecting donations from officers and corporations.

And if that surprise wasn't enough, police also revealed they arrested two suspects and recovered thousands of dollars worth of Tomas' stolen plumbing equipment.

"When I see here all my tools, I'm surprised and very happy," Tahvito said.

Happy faces all around with police proving not even criminals can steal Christmas.

"I want to say thank you to the police officers for this day that's so nice of them," Carmen said.

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