LACEY, Wash. — A “catastrophic break-in” led to the theft of $20,000 worth of large equipment from a South Sound workspace, but the culprit made a mistake that may have helped police solve the case.
The break-in at the Lacey Makerspace on the Saint Martin’s University campus happened six days ago and the nonprofit says it has crippled its ability to provide welding equipment and power tools to the public.
The perpetrator spray painted the outdoor security cameras but either didn’t know about or forgot about the indoor cameras.
It wasn’t until they were inside that they noticed another camera. Then it was too late.
“He went in here and grabbed some tools that were on this rack and that’s when he noticed the camera on top and he grabbed a sheet and covered it with a piece of metal,” operations manager Ian Martin said.
Mr Martin said the incident occurred when the man and his accomplice were gathering whatever large tools they could find.
“They were here for about an hour,” Martin said. “Yeah, they went through drawers, grabbed whatever they could, and then they laid it all out here in front. They opened the garage door from the inside, pulled the car in and loaded it up.”
It was quite a load, including four large welding machines.
“When something like this happens and we lose $20,000 worth of equipment, it’s a big blow to anyone, but especially to a small nonprofit like ours,” Executive Director Michelle Pope said.
Pope said the perpetrators stole from a local workforce training space that provides access to equipment that many people would not be able to afford on their own.
“Yes, specifically a welding machine was stolen,” Pope said, “as well as a set of battery-operated hand tools and other items.”
Even before last Thursday’s break-in, cameras outside the Lacey Makerspace showed the man’s alleged accomplice scouting the scene.
Unlike the male suspect, she did not wear a mask, wore distinctive clothing and left the distinctive tattoo on her neck exposed.
This will hopefully help Lacey Police find her and the man who was wearing the mask. If you know who they are, please contact the Lacey Police Department at 360-704-2740 or online at Police2Citizen.
As for MakerSpace, they are beefing up security and soliciting donations to replace what was stolen.
You can find their website at laceymakerspace.org.
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