GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A string of thefts from washing machines has Green Bay Police looking for a lot of coins.
Six different apartment complexes have reported missing laundry change.
Green Bay Police Captain Kevin Warych says the trend is alarming because it takes a lot of work to do it.
“They have to locate the washer, pull the washing machine away from the wall and disconnect the waterlines to access the coin drop.”
He says they then either have a key for the compartment or are damaging the machines to get in.
He says the other concern is that there is a lot of money missing.
“We believe that the total is around $1,500, so that is a lot of quarters.”
Reports have come from apartments in the 1500, 1600 and 1700 blocks of Western Avenue and the 300 block of Locust Street.
Captain Warych says to loot his difficult to hide and hold on to.
“People are walking away with large amounts of coins, so people at banks and businesses will know at banks and businesses if they try to turn in the currency.”
He says with that many coins, there are things that the public can look for to help the police.
“When people steal coins, they have to carry them in a bag, you can’t just put them in your pocket and flee the area. It is another for us to be on the lookout for when people see suspicious people. Do they have bags? Do they have backpacks?”
Police say apartment complexes should install a camera in their laundry area and make sure any doors are secure.
Warych says it is possible that more than one suspect is involved.
If you have any information regarding these crimes, please contact Lt. Rick Belanger with the Green Bay Police Department at (920) 448-3208. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward by contacting Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-7867, or online at 432stop.com, or by downloading the P3 app.
