Suspects Damage, Steal From Car Washes

Prairie Grove and Lincoln police departments are investigating car-wash break-ins that occurred in their cities last week.

Officers believe the cases are related and the same suspect or suspects were involved in both break-ins, according to Capt. Jeff O’Brien with Prairie Grove police.

O’Brien said Reed’s Car Wash, at the corner of Pittman and Parks streets, was broken into during the early hours of Oct. 22.

The suspect or suspects cut a hole to enter through the roof and into the pump room, O’Brien said.

They then spent time cutting into the money/ change dispenser and stole an unknown amount of money.

The suspects caused extensive damage, he said.

Around the same time, Lincoln police department also reported a break-in at the Spit and Shine Car Wash on U.S. 62 on the west side of Lincoln.

Russell Morphis, Lincoln police chief, said the theft was discovered at 5 a. m. Oct. 22 and the suspects e i ther remove d or damaged the coin boxes and machines for all three wash bays.

All money was taken, Morphis said. He estimates damages at $2,000-$3,000.

Morphis said the department does not have any suspects at this time.

Anyone with information should contact either Prairie Grove or Lincoln police departments.