LAHARPE — Burglars ransacked the offices at Ray’s Metal Depot, using some of the company’s own equipment to break into a safe and steal up to $40,000 in cash.
Allen County Sheriff’s deputies investigated the break-in at Ray’s, along U.S. 54 at the entrance of LaHarpe, after employees discovered the crime scene Friday morning.
The perpetrator was hell-bent on achieving his aim, owner Ray Maloney said, using Maloney’s own cutting torch to remove a metal grate over a window to gain access to the office, then cutting into the safe in order to remove the cash box.
Maloney said extensive damage to the safe led to speculation that some of the cash may have been burned — or at least singed — by searing heat from the torch. Merchants noticing cash with burn marks are urged to contact the sheriff’s department at 365-1400.
The damage wasn’t limited to the safe. Reckless vandalism was evident throughout the building. Two offices had windows broken, even though doors had been open. “They were just in the mood to break stuff,” Maloney said.
The perpetrators also removed video cameras throughout the facility and cut phone lines in an attempt to stop a video feed. The ploy may not have worked.
Maloney said officers were looking over surveillance footage because video was still being transmitted until the cameras were destroyed.
The theft did not prevent Maloney from opening his salvage lot Friday, and he will remain open.
Ray’s is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
Ray’s Metal burglarized
