Thursday, June 17, 2010

Wichita police are asking for the public's help to solve a recent rash of business, school, and backyard break-ins.

In the last month, statistics show Wichita's non-residential burglaries are up about 27%. Overall, the city recorded 442 home and business burglaries during the month of May.

Overnight, at least ten small businesses were hit in East Wichita, including a business in Bradley Fair.

Last weekend, police say a dozen businesses were targeted in West Wichita near Central and West streets.

In the early morning hours on Sunday, June 13, 2010 two men broke into the American Mattress and Clock Gallery at 4300 W. Central Avenue. While inside the store they stole cash and other property belonging to the business.

Surveillance video of the suspects showed them to be white males with dark hair and appear to be in their late teens or 20s. One suspect, who appears to be about 5’11” to 6’0” tall, was wearing a red sleeveless t-shirt and had tattoos on the upper portion of both arms. The other suspect was wearing a dark-colored long-sleeve t-shirt and appeared to be about 6’3” or 6’4” tall.

In addition, both suspects appear to have been involved in the burglary of the Pet World pet story, 601 N. West Street, sometime between 8:15 pm. on Saturday, June 12th and 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, June 13th. In that burglary, they stole cash, property and two dogs, both Mini-Pinschers.

The same two suspects are also believed to have committed other burglaries in the last two weeks in both east and west Wichita.

In all scenarios, the style of break-in is the same: a front window is broken and cash - or the entire cash register - is stolen.

In May, five area schools were also broken into. In the first few weeks of June, another seven have been hit. Police say classroom projectors are being stolen, with some disassembled from their ceiling mounts. None of the projectors have been recovered. The school district is encouraging those with information to call police, or USD 259 Security Services at 973-2100.

Police say crooks are also targeting unattached garages and sheds, often stealing tools and yard equipment. Police say homeowners can save themselves a lot of trouble by investing in a solid padlock, along with keeping lists, photos and serial numbers of their belongings.

Investigators say public tips last month helped double the number of burglary arrests made in Wichita, helping solve dozens of crimes. They are hoping citizens will step forward and help break the cycle in this most recent rash.

If you have any information, you can call CrimeStoppers at (316) 267-2111. As always, you can remain anonymous, and your tip could earn you a cash reward.

If you would like to contact the WPD Burglary section directly, the number is (316) 268-4141.

Look for updates later today on KAKE News and KAKE.com.