Olive Branch Police are looking for 3 men who stole $20,000 worth of cigarettes from a tobacco store.
The trio was caught on surveillance video putting cartons of cigarrettes into a large sack.
Police are trying to determine if they are also responsible for a similar break-in at a store in Memphis
.(Olive Branch, MS-2/11/10) A bold break-in caught on tape in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Police are asking for your help identifying three tobacco thieves who made off with tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes from the Kwik Stop Tobacco & Beer in the 7700 block of Hacks Cross Road.
The crooks, who were all wearing dark clothing and a hood or cap, knew exactly what they were looking for.
They went straight for the cartons of cigarettes and dumped them into a large sack they brought with them.
It took them less than 3 minutes to get in and out of the store and steal nearly $20,000 worth of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
"It looked like an organized type crime they had thought out and we believe these individuals will strike again if they are not caught," said Major Tim Presley.
Olive Branch Police are trying to determine if the trio might be the same thieves who stole $8,000 worth of cigarettes and lottery tickets from the Amaco Station on south 3rd in Memphis a couple of weeks ago.
In that case surveillance cameras captured the men trying to cash in the stolen tickets.
"There were 3 individuals in that crime. We are trying to see if related," said Presley.
They're hoping someone will recognize them thieves from surveillance video.
As the crooks enter and exit the Kwik Stop Tobacco & Beer, you can clearly see their faces.
One of the men is also wearing a dark colored jacket with a cross on the front and the word indigo on the back and another has large patches on the back of his jeans.
"When somebody knows somebody and when they are individuals they are acquainted with/ they may recognize these individuals pretty quickly," said Presley.
Police say it's likely the thieves will try to sell the cigarettes at a discounted price to another store.
If you know anything you are urged to call Desoto County Crime Stoppers at 662-429-TIPS.
You can also text a crime tip anonymously to 274637. Just make sure to type in OBPD at the beginning of your message.
