WATERLOO - Area bow hunters have their sights set on a thief who stole more than $14,260 worth of archery equipment.
A burglar stole 19 new 2010 bows worth nearly $14,000 from Mike's Archery, 1904 Falls Ave., sometime late Monday or early Tuesday.
"They knew what they were looking for," said Michael Hertges, owner of Mike's Archery. "They just took the bows, that's all they were looking for."
A customer's bow, worth about $1,100, also was stolen, Hertges said.
According to police reports, the burglar broke out a window in the door to the business, which is adjacent to Hertges' home. By entering through the window, the burglar didn't set off the alarm to the business, Hertges said.
Shortly after the break-in, Hertges sent word out to the Iowa Bowhunters Association, which sent the news to its members and posted a notice on its Web site. Hertges said he has heard from bow hunters from around Iowa and as far away as Missouri offering to help locate the stolen merchandise.
Hertges said the thief may have a hard time keeping a low profile.
"There's someone out there with 19 brand-new bows," he said.
One of the models taken is on back order at most locations, said Randy Taylor, vice president of the IBA.
"If you got one, probably somebody is going to notice," Taylor said.
Members also are watching online sites such as eBay and Craig's List in case the intruder tries to sell them online, Taylor added.
The break-in was the first in more than nine years of being in business at the location, Hertges said.
Anyone with information on the theft can call the Waterloo Police Department at 291-2515 or Mike's Archery at 233-7443
I can't stand it when people have not respect for other people or their property.
