NEWPORT — The Newport Police Department has arrested Mark Webb, 53, of Sunapee followeing a short investigation into an alleged theft of two rifle optics from Pinnacle Sports located on Sunapee Street in Newport.
The investigation revealed that on July 3rdtwo optics were removed from the store. However, they were not discovered missing until July 6th. It was then that an employee noticed two optics were missing from a display and started reviewing the store’s video surveillance system.
It was there that Webb is allegedly seen leaving the store on two separate times within a 15-minute period of time taking an optic each time without paying.. Combined, the two optics are valued at $2,699.98. Webb has cooperated with the investigation and the optics were recovered by the Newport Police Department.
Webb has been charged with Willful Concealment, a class A Felony as the value of the property taken exceeds $1,500. Webb is scheduled to be arraigned at the Sullivan County Superior Court on July 26th.
Chief Jim Burroughs stated that this case was solved due to the quality surveillance system in place, dedicated staff and a quality inventory system.
The Newport Police Department encourages all business owners to invest in quality security systems to aid in the prevention and deterrence of thefts. Deterring these types of crimes is important and seeing cameras prove their worth in solving crime is evidence of that and is rewarding to the store owner and law enforcement alike, according to Burroughs.
As always, the Newport Police Department would like to encourage you to say something if you see something! Reports can be made by calling the Police Department at 863-3232.
Newport is also a member of the Connecticut Valley Crime Stoppers where you can leave an anonymous tip or message at ctvalleycrimestoppers.org or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-680-8477. Anonymous tips can even be sent via text message by texting “cvtips” to CRIMES (274637).
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