Help sought on storage burglaries

The Tucumcari Police Department and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public's help in solving a burglary at local storage unit complex.

On Monday, officers responded to a report of a burglary at Bell Storage units in the 1500 block of West Route 66, said Jason Braziel, chief of police.

Braziel said more than 12 units had been damaged, eight of those being entered. He said the amount of the items stolen or the cost of the damage done to the units is not determined.

QCS photo: Thomas Garcia

Kenny Bell stands outside his storage unit, which was one of 13 which was damaged and one of eight which were entered by burglars on Sept. 16 on the 1500 block of West Route 66. Police are seeking help to solve the burglary.

Braziel said the burglary occurred sometime during the night of Sept. 16 or the morning of Sept. 17. He said the department is still investigating this case and the public's assistance is appreciated.

"They even broke in to my personal storage unit," said Kenny Bell, owner of Bell Storages.

Bell said the burglars damaged several units, some of which he has had to repair in order to secure the contents inside. He said door jams and new latches and locks had to be installed on eight units; while the other unit's doors were damaged no entry was made.

Bell said this is the third time in three years his facility has been burglarized. He said this last incident has prompted him to look in to the purchase of surveillance equipment.

"It's simply frustrating," Bell said. "I'll just have to wait and see if an arrest is made."

If you have any information contact Crime Stoppers at 461-3507.

All callers will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment of the suspect or suspects connected to the burglaries.