Crime Stoppers: Suspect cuts through roof of Milwaukee liquor store, steals thousands in cash

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A family-owned business in Milwaukee was burglarized last week, a liquor store run by a couple on the city's northwest side. Police are hoping you can identify the suspect, who did a lot of damage in one night.

Surveillance video shows the suspect walking up to a building on 29th and Lisbon. Less than a minute later, he's scaling the roof right before knocking down the camera. 

Milwaukee police say he spent two hours cutting his way through the roof of Lisbon Liquor & Food Mart the night of March 28.

"About 8 a.m., the business owner came in and discovered his business had been burglarized," said Detective Shawn Halverson, with the Milwaukee Police Department. 

Another picture shows the suspect ransacking the inside and taking his time. 

"I guess what was particularly disturbing about this case is the amount of time and effort the suspect put in to gain entry into the business and then activated an alarm...remained inside for another 45 minutes," said Detective Halverson. 

During that 45 minutes, the suspect stole two very specific items. 

"The suspect obtained $1,000 worth of Newport cigarettes and some money," said Detective Halverson.  

More than $10,000 in cash was stolen. 

"The business doesn't typically keep that much money inside and won't be from now on," said Detective Halverson.  

The burglar tried to take even more. 

"He tried to take liquor but was unable to crawl out through the opening of the roof and had to leave it behind," said Detective Halverson.  

Detectives have some suspects in mind but are hoping someone recognizes him and will turn him in and give the store owners justice. 

"It's a young couple that started the business, they're trying to start a family and this has put a single hardship on their life losing a significant amount of money," said Detective Halverson.  

If you know anything about the burglary on 29th and Lisbon that happened March 28, you're urged to call Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS (8477). Your call is always anonymous. If your tip leads to an arrest you get a reward at a secret location in cash.