Serial thieves target iPods, vacuums

HOUSTON Two unknown black males have been stealing Dyson Vacuum Cleaners and iPods from retail stores in and around the Harris County area since June 2009. According to Crime Stoppers, the two suspects walk into the stores and head either to the electronics area or the vacuum cleaner display area. In the electronics area, the suspects convince an employee to open the iPod case and then shove the employee out of the way while they steal as many iPods as they can carry. The suspects then walk out of the store without attempting to pay for the merchandise. With the Dyson Vacuum Cleaners, the suspects walk into the stores, grab the merchandise and either walkout of the store on flee through the fire exit.

Both suspects are black males who are believed to be between 20 and 30 years old. One suspect is 5'8" to 5'10" tall with a thin build. The other suspect is 6'0" to 6'2" tall with a heavy build. The suspects have been known to drive an older model white four door car similar to a Ford LTD with dark tinted windows. They have also been spotted in a newer dark color Mercury Marquis with dark tinted windows. They usually park near the fire exit.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-8477 (TIPS) hotline or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the identification, charging or arrest of any suspect in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message - Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.