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Highlands Today

LP Police Seek Pawn Shop Burglars

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: January 1, 2009

LAKE PLACID - The Lake Placid Police Department is seeking information into an early-morning burglary at Central Pawn on Dec. 24.

Footage from a surveillance video reportedly shows three individuals approaching the business carrying bags believed to hold burglary tools, according to the Lake Placid Police Department. The subjects had on dark clothing and what appeared to be masks, with one of them wearing what was described as a "red hood and mask combination."

A forklift was used as a ladder for the thieves to get on the roof of the business, although it is unclear whether the forklift was near the building or if the suspects acquired it through some other means.

Once on the roof, the suspects cut a hole above the alarm system, according to an LPPD press release.

"With the sophistication of a 'Mission: Impossible' plot, the suspects strategically manipulate and disarm the alarm system and drop to the floor," the release stated.

The burglars then reportedly cut into the safe vaults and removed an undisclosed amount of jewelry and money.

A Lake Placid police officer discovered the burglary after finding the gate leading to the business' rear access opened.

The officer then checked the front door and found that it was unlocked, the press release stated. From the door, the officer saw the sides of the safe had been cut opened.

Central Pawn's owners are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information into this crime should contact Lake Placid Police Det. James Fansler at 863-699-3757.

Anonymous leads can also be directed to Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-TIPS (8477).

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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