Theft ring hit 16 stores in Evansville area

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Prosecutors in Evansville say investigators have broken up a theft ring that hit 16 stores, stealing flat-screen televisions, high-end apparel, power tools and other items.

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office said Tuesday that at least 16 people face charges including corrupt business influence, interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy.

The Evansville Courier & Press reports (http://bit.ly/1s8OLVK ) the ring stole millions of dollars’ worth of goods that also included vacuum cleaners, copper piping, and high end purses and accessories. Several of the stores that were hit are located in Evansville’s Eastland Mall.

The investigation involved the FBI’s Southwest Indiana Violent Crime Task Force, the Evansville Police Department, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana State Police and the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office.

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Information from: Evansville Courier & Press, http://www.courierpress.com

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