Tobacco bandits smoke authorities
Lawmen are wanting information on a band of tobacco bandits, believed responsible for four separate store break-ins over the past two weeks.
“They’re going in and stealing large quantities of cigarettes and snuff and maybe a little loose change,” said Sheriff Jackie Matheny. “They’re really not bothering anything else. They’re just targeting the tobacco products.”
Among the victims of the nicotine-loving bandits are Hullett’s at Morrison and Newtown Foodland, which has been hit twice. A third store in Van Buren County has also been burglarized.
The latest hit came last Friday just after midnight at Hullett’s. Like most of the burglaries, lawmen found a door pried open and numerous cartons of cigarettes and rolls of snuff taken. The entire haul was believed to be 19 cartons of cigarettes of various kinds and some change. Foodland in Newtown was last hit July 8, as the bandits used the same method of operation. On that occasion lawmen were alerted by an alarm around 4:30 a.m.
By this point lawmen estimate the thieves have amassed quite a large stash of tobacco products. Matheny is asking anyone with information as to the identities of the thieves to contact investigators at 473-8738. All tipsters will be kept confidential.