Two area stores see thefts

Two separate thefts occurred on the same day at two local stores.

Over $700 worth of merchandise was stolen from Robinsons True Value, 127 S. Main St., on Oct. 12.

According to a police report, co-owner Dennis Foote of Osceola reported that the store's front door was ajar on Oct. 13 and the exit was unlocked. The doors weren't damaged.

Several saws and a drill were taken from the store.

Captain Ed Stoll said police have no new leads and are still investigating the incident.

At 1:44 a.m. the same day, Osceola police responded to an alarm at Osceola's Pamida, 1012 Jeffreys Dr.

According to a report, narcotic drugs were taken from the store's pharmacy. Osceola police are waiting for a finalized inventory list of other things stolen.

Stoll said the police were notified of the intrusion by a third party alarm company. When police arrived, all outside doors were secure and the officer patrolled the area until a person with a key arrived.

More alarms went off inside the store, but the information wasn't relayed to police. Stoll said he believes the person was still inside when the officer first arrived and they could have caught the perpetrator if the company had told police about the other alarms.

"They didn't relay the rest of that information which would have changed the officer's decision at that time," he said. "We could've caught him by barring all the exits."

Stoll said he believes the person gained access through a back door, which was slightly damaged. The door is now repaired.