A (501) C Non-Profit Organization
Tri-County
Crime Stoppers
of Minnesota, Inc.
Serving Central Minnesota
P.O. Box 545 St. Cloud, MN 56302-0545
St. Cloud Area: 255-1301
Outside St. Cloud: 1-800-255-1301
About Crime Stoppers
Online tip reporting
Tri-County Crime Stoppers has added online tip
reporting to it’s arsenal of tools for use by citizens to anonymously
submit tips on unsolved crimes in the tri-counties of Benton, Stearns and
Sherburne.
Go to the "How To Report / Collect" page for complete instructions.
Crime Stoppers Open Cases for Week of October 27, 2008
Sartell Police: Robbery, Attempted Theft-
Arrests Made
On 10/30/08 at approximately 1345 hours Sartell Police was dispatched to a
robbery at the Benton Drive Mini-Serve. As of 2020 hours on 10/30/08 3
suspects were in custody.
St. Cloud Police: Fraud
On 10/29/08 St. Cloud Police took a report of a secret shopper money scam.
In this case fictitious money gram orders and bank checks were mailed to a
victim who then cashed them, and per instructions wired a portion of the
money to the originating mailer. The victim has lost approximately $2,200
in this case. At least one St. Cloud banking institution reports four of
their customers have fallen victim to similar scams. All victims are
believed to be receiving Social Security and/or disability benefits which
may be related to how the victims are being contacted either via mail or
email. St. Cloud Police advises not to participate in any secret shopper
or similar programs in order to prevent citizens from also falling victim.
St. Cloud Police: Burglary
On 10/29/08 at approximately 2002 hours officers responded to the 200
block 3rd Ave NE for a report of a burglary. While the homeowners were
gone access was gained into the residence. No items of value of taken.
Sartell Police: Damage to Property at
Cemetery
On 10/27/08 Sartell Police were notified that two head stones and numerous
planters were knocked over. According to City Maintenance this is the
second time this damage has occurred this week.
St. Cloud Police: Arson
On 10/28/08 at 8:15 pm an arson fire occurred at a residence in the 1500
block of 4th Street N. A flammable liquid was poured on the rear door to
the house and steps and ignited. The door and doorway to the home
sustained significant damage. The St. Cloud Police Department and Fire
Marshall are investigating the fire.
The St. Cloud Fire Marshall’s office encourages everyone to keep their
homes and garages secured, well lighted, and to report any suspicious
activity.
St. Cloud Police: Burglary
On 10/27/08 at approximately 1751 hours, officers were dispatched to the
1200 block of 6th Ave S for a burglary complaint. Investigation revealed
that in the late evening hours of 10/25/08 an unknown suspect entered an
occupied residence through an unlocked door and stole multiple items. A
resident heard movement in the house and saw the suspect fleeing from the
area. Items stolen include two video game systems, a computer, MP3 player,
and backpacks. No one was injured during the incident.
St. Cloud Police: Burglary
On 10/25/08 at approximately 1802 hours officers responded to the 1300
block of 6th Avenue S for a burglary complaint. It was determined that the
suspect gained access to an unoccupied apartment through a window. Taken
from the apartment was a laptop, digital camera, money, and miscellaneous
video games and movies.
St. Joseph Police: Stolen
Vehicle
On 10/23/08 St. Joseph Police received a report of a stolen vehicle.
Midnight Haulers, 800 blk of 19th Ave NE, reported a tire hauler truck was
stolen from their lot. The vehicle is white in color and has the graphics
Mid Minnesota Tire on it. The vehicle had been parked outside the business
with a For Sale sign on it.
Waite Park Police: Payroll Check
Theft Alert
On 10/23/08 the Waite Park Police Department alerted businesses of the
following.
Please be aware that there is a group of seven Hispanic males working
their way into our area. They are going into businesses and requesting
applications for employment. One may ask to use the bathroom or
something similar to get into another area of your business. They are
unlocking doors or windows in the business. Later that night they are
entering the business and taking payroll checks. They are usually taking
checks from the bottom of the batch.
They then make IDs in a couple people's names and go to the banks with the
stolen payroll checks and start cashing them where they can. This group
works very quickly and is usually in and out of an area of the state
within one week. They were most recently in the Sherburne County area and
are most likely working their way here- or are already here.
Below are some ways to help protect yourself and your business:
Be aware of people entering any areas of your business or people left
unattended.
Secure all payroll checks.
Check your business to make sure all doors and windows are locked, even in
areas not normally used.
Check your bank account online or daily if possible to look for
inconsistencies.
BANKS: Please be aware of people who may be coming into the bank several
times- even in different clothing.
If you have any questions about this email or if you believe you may have
already been a victim, please contact
Investigator Ben Theisen, Waite Park Police at (320) 529-0249
Crime Prevention Officer, Alicia Mages (320) 251-7393
St. Cloud Police: Armed Robbery
and Theft (From week of 10-13-08)
On 10/14/08 at approximately 2019 hours, officers were dispatched to the
900 block of 1st Avenue South for a robbery.
Investigation revealed a 20-year-old male resident of St. Cloud was
approached by four younger black males who were wearing dark hoods and
bandanas covering their faces. Two of the males displayed handguns and
demanded property from the victim. The suspect males took several
electronic items from the victim and fled northbound. The area was checked
with negative results. The victim did not sustain any injuries. No further
suspect description wag available.
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