LIMESTONE, Maine — The cameras at Caldwell’s Auto in Limestone were rolling when a masked individual broke into the shop during the early hours of Nov. 8. The business owners shared the footage on Facebook, stating that they were offering a cash reward to anyone able to identify the person in the video.
Chelsea Campbell, administrative assistant at the Limestone shop, said the video had roughly 15,000 views by 10 a.m. Nov. 9, and that they’ve received a few private responses in regards to possible suspects, which they have passed along to police.
Limestone Police Chief Stacey Mahan said Wednesday that the shop owners approached him before uploading the video, adding that he thought it was a great idea.
“They called us and we went down to review the video,” Mahan said. “I said they should absolutely put it online. Social media is key to get your information out there. We’ve had maybe half a dozen tips come in, and that’s always good. I’d say the same to anyone in that situation, especially if they have a good clear video.”
The chief added that, if the individual in the video was not wearing a mask, he would have told the shop owners to “hold off” on posting the video.
“I would have asked them not to post it until I found the person and had a chat with them, if they weren’t wearing a mask,” he said.
After assessing the damage, Campbell said that nothing was taken but the door was damaged in order to gain entrance, and some cabinets were pried open. She estimates that roughly $700 in damage was caused due to the break-in.
Mahan agreed with that assessment of the cost for repairs.
“If you take the door into consideration,” Mahan said, “and the drawer, which is built into a countertop, I think $700 is a close estimate.”
Campbell said this is the first time this has happened at the Limestone location, but that they have experienced issues with people “rummaging through the junkyard.”
Mahan said there was a similar break-in at a business in Caribou not long before the one at Caldwell’s Auto.
“There was a break-in at a truck brokerage in Caribou not too long before this one,” Mahan said. “Two break-ins within a month kinda make you wonder, especially when they’re both within a certain mile radius.”
Moving forward, the chief said he will continue to review the video, analyzing the individual’s height in relation to the door and counter, beef up patrols, and alert nearby towns of suspected individuals.
So far, Mahan has narrowed the search down to a couple suspects, but has made no arrests.
“I have my suspicions on the person based on their size and mannerisms,” he said. “They were in and out, and I’m sure they were looking for cash.”
Mahan said that individuals could be looking for money for drugs or extra funds for the holidays this time of year.
“We’re getting into a harder time of year,” he said, “and some people will take opportunities to get their Christmas money differently.”
He recommends that residents and business owners stay alert and make sure they keep their doors and car trunks locked.
“There are reasons that people do something like this; you don’t do it for fun,” Mahan said, “and finances are usually the reason. If you can’t earn it, you shouldn’t have it. If you can’t work and make the money to get what you want, this is not the route to go, because you will get caught. Your time will come.”
Anyone with information that might be helpful in the case is urged to contact police by calling 325-4702.
