Police Bulletin Police Bulletin (May 02, 2003)

Thief tuned up with smashing spark plug

A thief armed with a spark plug shattered a car window and gained access to a vehicle parked on West Angela Street during the night April 23, stealing $875 in audio equipment while causing $400 in damages.

Merle Philippe reported to police that someone had broken into his son's 1996 Grand Cherokee Jeep sometime between 10:30 p.m. April 23, and 1:30 p.m. April 24. The car was parked and locked under a carport with another car parked behind it, Philippe said.

Police said the suspect struck the rear passenger wing window with a brand new Bosch Platinum spark plug. Shattering the window, the suspect reached in and unlocked the car door. Once inside the jeep, the suspect unplugged and took the speaker and box from the rear cargo area as well as an LCD monitor that was mounted to the center console. An AC/DC converter and CD holder were also stolen Philippe said.

Police found two partial fingerprints, one on the outside of the rear passenger door and another on the inside door handle. Both prints were taken as evidence. Jacked-up car is a wheel crime

Jacking a car up a couple of notches, a thief swiped four tires and wheels from a vehicle parked in the 5700 block of Owens Drive overnight April 24.

Police reported that Craig Heckman had parked his 2000 Honda Civic about 11 p.m. April 24, and returned to it about 6:20 a.m. the following morning. He found his car resting on two lightweight jacks and his $1,500 wheels and tires missing. Heckman told police the wheels and tires were premium factory items. The case has been forwarded to investigations. Quick shopping trip turns into $700 loss

A woman took a quick shopping trip through a department store and ended up losing her wallet April 23, police said.

Roseanne Zemp told police she arrived at a department store in the 4500 block of Rosewood Drive about 7:50 p.m. She said she was certain her wallet was in her purse when she arrived at the store. However, she discovered the wallet was missing while she was at the checkout line 10 minutes later. The victim did not see anyone suspicious and she said she was never more than three feet away from her purse, which she had left in the shopping cart.

Her loss was estimated at $700 and police advised her to cancel all of her credit card accounts.