An off-duty state adult probation and parole officer nearly apprehended two men Thursday night that police officials believe are responsible for a weeklong rash of business break-ins in Orem and Provo.
Orem police spokesman Gerald Nielsen said the officer and his wife were driving on 1300 South in Orem at approximately 10:30 p.m. when they noticed suspicious activity at Swen's Schwinn Cyclery, 248 E. 1300 South. Two men had apparently broken into the business through the front door and were stealing the store's cash register.The man and his wife used their vehicle to block the suspects' escape route. The men then fled on foot and were pursued by the officer but eventually escaped.
According to Nielsen, police believe the close call did not deter the burglars. Two men burglarized Canyon Chevron, 1565 E. 800 North, three hours later, taking $180 in cash. They were caught on tape but noticed the store's cameras and hid their faces.
Provo police officials also reported several business break-ins with a similar mode of operation. Two businesses on State Street in Provo and three others on University Parkway reported break-ins during the night, probably after the burglary at Swen's, Provo Police Capt. George Pierpont said. The burglars took approximately $800 in cash and items, including four cases of beer, a car stereo, a TV and VCR, and caused nearly $1,000 worth of damage.
Anyone with further information on the burglaries should contact Orem police dispatchers, 224-7070, or Provo police dispatchers, 379-6210.