Burglars steal $2,000 in hobby wares

Two burglaries at Nittany Line Hobbies resulted in the theft of six remote control cars and four remote transmitters to operate them.

Between last Wednesday and last Thursday night, Nittany Line Hobbies, 253 Benner Pike, was broken into twice, and more than $2,000 worth of equipment was stolen, according to a news release from the State College Police Department.

In addition to Nittany Line Hobbies, two other businesses were broken into, but no merchandise was reported missing.

Mike's Video, 1816 S. Atherton St., and Executive House Apartments, 411 Waupelani Dr., also had their front windows smashed Wednesday night.

Nittany Line Hobbies had its front window smashed during each incident, said Dan Warner, a store employee.

Christine Johns, manager of Mike's Video, said the burglars might have vandalized her store in order to distract the police so the burglars could hit Nittany Line Hobbies.

"I guess it also could have been a random act of violence," Johns said.

The weekend burglaries have prompted one of the victimized businesses to increase security and change policies in order to prevent another attack.

Warner said Nittany Line Hobbies has installed unbreakable glass doors, upgraded the security system and changed policies with regard to money management in the store.

"We are trying to maintain business as usual and trying to not let it affect our customer service," Warner said.

Sgt. Dwayne Musser of State College police said nothing new has developed in the case. State College police continue to follow up in their investigation, Musser said.

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is encouraged to call State College police at 234-7150.