Police Seek 3 Suspected Of Stealing $15K In Textbooks
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- St. Cloud police say it's the biggest case of its kind they've seen. Thieves have been stealing books from a college bookstore. Lots of them.
Officers think the people in the photos above have hit the Husky Bookstore near St. Cloud State eight times. The thefts total more than $15,000 worth of textbooks.
Most of the books targeted seem to be science-related, specifically biology and chemistry.
"Whether those textbooks are worth more money, easier to sell...I'm not sure of the motives for that, but that will be part of what we try to identify and find out," said Lt. Jeffrey Oxton of St. Cloud police.
It was after officers and store employees reviewed the latest photos that they realized the book thieves had been regulars.
"Once we started to figure out the facts and work with [bookstore] management, they tracked back that this wasn't the first time it happened with the suspects," Oxton said. "Actually, eight other times where it appeared the same suspects went in and stole books."
Officers are hoping someone will recognize who stole the books. They also hope to learn whether or not the suspects robbed other bookstores.
Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call St. Cloud police at 320-251-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 320-251-1200.
Tips can also texted to Crime Stoppers by entering 274637 "Crimes" into the destination box. Be sure to also start the message with TRITIP.