The Holts Summit Police Department is investigating a break-in at Doolittle Manufacturing on State Road AA.
A Doolittle employee called 911 to report a break in this morning, and officers were dispatched to the location at 8:37 a.m., according to a Holts Summit Police Department press release. While responding to the scene, officers were notified the vehicle of the possible suspect was in a nearby field. After locating the vehicle, officers searched the area but could find no suspects.
Authorities checked the vehicle registration plates, which revealed the plates was reported stolen from a different vehicle that was found in Callaway County yesterday. The vehicle discovered in the field was reported stolen from the Kansas City area on March 26th, the release stated.
Chuck Frank, owner and general manager of Doolittle, said the suspect or suspects got away with cordless drills and radios. He estimated the total cost of stolen items to be between $1,000-$1,500. Frank added that the suspect(s) had a stack of more items - power tools, radios and hand tools - ready to be taken from the manufacturing site.
The only identifying information investigators have at the moment is the suspect is a white male, but they are working to obtain video surveillance footage for a better description. Frank said the company is in the process of installing an upgraded security system with new door sensors and cameras.
Frank said Doolittle is offering a $500 reward to anyone who helps lead police to an arrest and conviction.
The Callaway County Sheriff's Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted the Holts Summit Police Department in the investigation.
The Holts Summit Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the break-in to call the Callaway County Crime Stoppers at (573) 592-2474. Crime Stoppers call are anonymous.
Police are also reminding the public to not leave keys inside their vehicles and make sure vehicles are locked in order to prevent thefts.