Lincoln Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying suspects in two separate cases: one involving the theft of a work van; the other involving a smoke shop burglar who utilized a unique tool.
The first case was reported on Monday, March 2, 2026, when deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department were called to the Millard Lumber in Waverly, near N. 148th Street and Cornhusker Highway.
LPD Video Forensics Technician Becky Keller said one of the employees reported their white Ford Transit van had been stolen from the parking lot around 2:45 a.m. that same morning. The van had a camera inside which captured the suspect as they “had a deer in headlights moment” upon realizing he was being recorded.
Security cameras inside the business also captured the suspect loading tools and other items into the van prior to entering.
The van was later found empty and abandoned at a motel near the Lincoln airport. The vehicle was turned over to the owner, but the tools are still missing.
Video and photos from the incident are available below.
The second case was reported on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Grateful Green Smoke Shop near 17th and “O” Streets.
Keller said a passerby noticed the door was shattered and called police to report it. When officers arrived, they found the front glass door had been broken out with an industrial french-fry cutter.
After breaking the glass, security footage captured the suspect entering the business and taking over $1,000 worth of products. Damage to the door is estimated around $400.
Video and photos from the incident are available below.
If you have information on either of these cases, contact Lincoln Police at (402) 441-6000 to speak with an officer, or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600. An anonymous tip can also be left online through lincolncrimestoppers.com.
Photo and video courtesy of Lincoln Crime Stoppers.