Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thieves stripped the copper wiring and tubing out of a vacant grocery store in West Wichita. It happened at the old Dillons store at Douglas and Meridian.

Wichita Police Lt. Doug Nolte believes the thieves broke into the building sometime after Friday by breaking down a basement door and gaining entry.

"They could have been inside the store working for more than a few hours," Nolte said. "The basement door is hidden from view."

A nearby resident told KAKE News Thursday that he noticed what looked like maintenance crews working at the facility over the weekend, but didn't think anything of it.

Damage to the building and equipment is estimated at $10,000. If you have any information, you can call Wichita/Sedgwick County Crimestoppers at (316) 267-2111. You will remain anonymous and your tip could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.