Police are looking to nab some bar-busting beer burglars with the help of the public and some surveillance video.
The Passtime Bar in Wellington has experienced three break-ins. One in August, one in December and another in January, Tracy Heath, Wellington police chief, said.
“Each time the persons — and it appears to be two males — that gain entry into the bar and so far what has been reported missing has been alcohol or beer as well as some cash,” Heath said.
A video of the November and January cases have been released by the police department in hopes someone will be able to identify the thieving pair.
“In the November case, we know there was an undisclosed amount of cash and beer taken and then the most recent one in January, we know there was beer taken,” Heath said. “It appears to be the suspects on the video are connected to at least two of the alleged burglaries...it appears to be the same people.”
Though law enforcement is wanting to find the beer-guzzling pair, they are also wanting to raise awareness for local business owners on the importance of having video surveillance equipment.
Heath recommends getting quality cameras, especially if they are to be used at night. Infrared cameras are available, but leaving one or two lights on will not only help with identification on video evidence, but might scare criminals away if they think someone is inside, he said.
The police chief recommends getting cameras that record for more than a day at a time, even perhaps a week to two weeks at a time.
“That way if you notice something missing...you can go back through the recording system...and review that information,” Heath said.
Hiding the cameras from the eyes would-be criminals is also recommended.
“Burglars do realize that most businesses do have some sort of surveillance in place so typically what you will see and exactly what you will see on this video is one of the two guys...when he comes in, he instinctively puts a hood over his head as well as wearing some type of gloves so burglars...they are knowledgeable. They’ve probably been in the business, probably did their homework,” Heath said.
Along with putting up cameras, bad habits with storing money should be broken.
“I would certainly make daily deposits, if that’s not typical of what businesses do, I would certainly make other arrangements with the cash ... and I wouldn’t leave it on the property. If I did, I would invest in a quality safe,” Heath said.
Several officers on the Wellington Police Department have been trained in “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” to help businesses fight back against crime.
Business owners can call the police department for an officer to come survey their business and see what could be improved to decrease their chance of becoming a victim of a property crime.
If you are able to identify the persons in the video, contact the Wellington Police Department at 620-326-3331 or call the Sumner County CrimeStoppers hotline at 620-326-3135 or go to http://wellington-sumnercountycrimestoppers.com to submit a tip. You can remain anonymous.
