PORT ANGELES — A recently installed surveillance system led to the arrest of two teens accused of burglarizing a Port Angeles business two times in the past two months.
Clallam County sheriff’s detectives have arrested two teens in connection with two burglaries of the Lincoln Park Grocery Store.
Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said detectives arrested a 14-year-old Port Angeles boy Tuesday evening and a 16-year-old Forks boy Wednesday afternoon, both on second-degree theft, following the Monday burglary of Lincoln Grocery.
“Kudos to the owner of the store,” King said. “He decided after being hit twice to put up cameras.”
King said he is cautiously optimistic that investigators have arrested everybody involved with the burglaries.
“Sheriff’s deputies would like to thank the public for all the tips received,” he said. “Leads generated by the public were of great value in the apprehension of the two juveniles.”
Detectives have recovered and continued recovery of property stolen during the past two burglaries, he said.
King said deputies are trying to recover stolen cigarettes that had been distributed throughout the community.
One person was caught on camera Monday morning smashing through the window of the store at about 4 a.m.
He spent less than a minute taking cigarette cartons and possibly some other small items.
The Monday burglary was the third recent burglary of the store.
On April 22, a burglar forced open the back door and took cigarettes, candy, snacks, beer and a charity donation jar. The loss was estimated at $965.
On June 10, a burglar broke a front display window and stole cigarettes, beer and a charity donation jar. The loss was estimated at about $2,972.25.
“Cameras are getting cheaper and cheaper,” King said. “A great lead with a photo helps immensely.”
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.