Whose rims are those? Police share surveillance photos of suspect vehicle in ATV thefts

This surveillance photo from the Lawrence Police Department shows a vehicle suspected of being linked to the thefts of ATVs and trailers from businesses on 23rd Street in July 2017. Police note that the time stamp on the image is not correct, however.

Thieves reportedly made off with a couple of utility vehicles and trailers from businesses on a busy Lawrence street, and police are seeking the public’s help in figuring out who they are.

The first theft was reported July 30 and occurred sometime over the previous night, Lawrence Police Officer Drew Fennelly said. Two Kubota utility vehicles — the kind that look like ATVs with roll-cages over the seats — and a flatbed trailer were taken from McConnell Machinery Co. at 1111 E. 23rd St. The stolen items are valued at about $27,500.

The second case happened about 5:30 a.m. July 31, Fennelly said. A flatbed trailer, valued at about $1,000, was stolen from Kaw Valley Industrial at 1105 E. 23rd St.

“We believe it was the same suspects in both incidents,” specifically three males, Fennelly said.

Police are sharing surveillance photos of a suspect vehicle in hopes someone will recognize it, Fennelly said. They’re not great quality photos — the SUV is barely in the frame — but a key characteristic does show up: As Fennelly put it, that would be the SUV’s “distinctive” metal rims.

Anyone with information may call police at 830-7430 or Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 843-8477 (TIPS).

— I’m the Journal-World’s public safety reporter. Reach me by email at sshepherd@ljworld.com or by phone at 785-832-7187. I’m also on Twitter, @saramarieshep.