HOUSTON – Nacogdoches police detectives are working with the Houston Police Department to curb a troubling export from our big city: crime.
With increasing frequency, Houston crooks are moving up Highway 59 to find new untapped targets.
"These guys rented a U-Haul down here, and drove it up there, burglarized a John Deere dealership and brought the stuff back," said Greg Shelton, a veteran Houston police detective.
Shelton said three men were caught on surveillance video backing a rented U-Haul up to the store.
Nacogdoches police report that roughly $28,000 worth of high-end lawn equipment was taken in the heist.
But the crooks appear to have made mistakes.
Police could see the U-Haul's license plate on the video.
"He's a suspect, not charged, but it could be one of these guys actually rented the truck under his real name," Shleton said.
The U-Haul was located with the stolen equipment still inside, very close to the home of the man who rented the truck.
Police are still trying to identify at two other men who may have taken part in the burglary.
Call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS with information and remain anonymous.