Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Vending machines have become the latest target for thieves in Forest Lake.

Chief of Police Clark Quiring said this week his office is investigating a series of thefts and attempted thefts.

During the past week, vending machines and coin machines were vandalized at Stock Building Supply, 231 W. Broadway Ave.; Delís Auto Repair, 20 NW 5th Ave.; and Wine and Roses Liquor, 1107 S. Lake St.

Quiring said the reports included damage to machines and in the case of Stock Building Supply, damage to soda that froze after the evening burglary. The chief said someone climbed over the lumber yardís security fence to gain access to the outside vending machine.

In all cases, the same style of entry was used to break open the coin boxes or dollar bill containers.

The reports this week come following reports the previous week where vending machines were hit at the Maytag Laundry, Forest Lake Car Wash and Wine and Roses.

The chief said the staff at Wine and Roses found a way to foil the second attempt. The liquor store staff is removing product and coins from the vending machine and reported no loss in the second incident beyond damage to the machine.

The chief asked the public to report any late night suspicious behavior at business locations where vending machines may be targets.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605