STARKVILLE — Starkville police are searching for suspects in three vending-machine burglaries on Industrial Park Road.
Between Dec. 23-26, change was stolen from vending machines at MMC Materials, MFJ Enterprises and AT&T’s work center. Two vending machines were burglarized and MMC and MFJ.
Suspects cut a window screen and entered an unlocked window at MFJ, a manufacturer of radio accessories, while the a gate was pried open at AT&T, Starkville Police Department Detective Scotty Carrithers said. The vending machines at MFJ and MMC were located inside the building. MMC is a ready-mix concrete supplier.
No other merchandise or equipment were stolen from the properties. The amount of cash stolen is unknown, Carrithers said.
None of the businesses had security cameras.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call the Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4134.
Auto burglary trend continues
Officers responded Dec. 24 to report of an auto burglary at 904 N. Montgomery St., where gift cards had been stolen out of an Oldsmobile.
The owner of the vehicle said her car doors were locked but were unlocked when the items were stolen. There were no signs of a break-in at the scene, Carrithers said.
The owner of the vehicle reported an auto burglary within the last two months, Carrithers said.
Carrithers suspects the thieves are using a device similar to a slim jim, which police use to open locked car doors. The device, which he said is available at auto parts stores, is a multi-piece kit that includes a wedge, balloon and pump.
“Those are technically professional unlocking kits,” Carrithers said. “I’ve seen four or five of these similar cases in the last couple of months.
“Of course, some people may be saying that they have had their doors locked for insurance purposes, but it’s starting to concern me.”
Youth arrested in Xbox theft
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Dec. 23 for breaking in a home and stealing video game equipment.
The youth, whom Starkville police did not identify, broke in through a rear-room window at 135 Sand Road and stole an Xbox 360, two games and a controller.
The youth, who lived in the same Sandhill Arms neighborhood, was later arrested at a different location after a neighbor identified him and notified the police. The youth confessed to the crime, and his case has been turned over to juvenile court.
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