MINNESOTA COMPUTER STOLEN Forest Lake laptop computer thief is caught on camera - TwinCities.com:

Forest Lake laptop computer thief is caught on camera
Store specializes in video surveillance
By Megan Boldt
mboldt@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 03/25/2009 11:54:33 PM CDT

A man who walked into a Forest Lake computer store and stole a laptop Tuesday probably didn't pick the best place to commit a crime.

Rolltex Computers also sells video surveillance equipment. And it has plenty of cameras — 21 to be exact. The cameras caught a clear image of the suspect's face and the license plate of the car he was driving.

"When you have good video equipment, it makes our job much easier," said Forest Lake Police Chief Clark Quiring.

Owner Troy Stanton said the man walked into the store at 255 Minnesota 97 about 10 a.m., looked at computers and asked if he could use the bathroom. While an employee went to the back room, the suspect picked up the laptop, put it down about 10 feet from the door and walked out.

He then came back in and took off with the computer, valued at about $650.

It was all recorded on video. Stanton knows camera placement is very important, he said. He always tells his customers that they need to think like a crook when installing the cameras.

"Well, I did think like a crook," Stanton said. "That's why I have such a clear video of him."

Stanton, who has been at the retail location for 13 years, said everyone who has tried to commit a crime at his store has been caught.

Police say they have several leads and expect to have an arrest soon.

Megan Boldt can be reached at 651-228-5495.