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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect linked to a bicycle theft at the University of Illinois, who is also believed to have taken a tip jar from a campus restaurant earlier in the year.
This week’s Crime of the Week, as announced by Champaign County Crime Stoppers on Monday, connects two incidents that occurred several months apart but seem to involve the same individual.
Police report that on June 29, a tip jar was stolen from a restaurant located near Sixth and Green Streets. Later, on October 22, a bicycle was taken after its lock was cut. The suspect descriptions in both incidents are strikingly similar, officials noted.
Security footage captured images of the suspect, who is estimated to be between 19 and 25 years old, sporting shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was seen wearing a distinctive red, white, and blue jacket, red pants, and carrying a red backpack.
Champaign County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspect. Information can be shared by calling 217-373-8477, visiting their website, or through the P3 Tips app.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and they will be rewarded with up to $1,000 in cash if their tip leads to an arrest.