Thief Wants More Than Paper Clips from Staples

, the Framingham-based office supply store, has been the target of several thefts in Attleboro, Seekonk and Rhode Island communities. 

The most recent was Monday when South Kingstown Police responded to the Staples on Tower Hill Road. 

Police spoke with store managers who said that a black man wearing a red shirt entered the store and asked for change for a $10 bill. After the clerk hesitated the subject allegedly told her “never mind" and then walked to the back of the store. Soon after, store employees were alerted by the store's alarm company that its rear-door alarm was sounding.  

Employees then noticed that a security cage was open and discovered that three laptop computers, valued at $3,250, were missing. The two padlocks used to secure the cages were also missing. A customer told police that he saw the same man enter the store, exit through the main entrance, make contact with a white woman in an older model Toyota Corrolla, and then re-enter the store. 

Monday's theft may be connected to thefts in Staples stores in Attleboro, North Attleboro and Seekonk, according to the South Kingstown Police report.

Police believe it may be the same person because the stores were all burglarized using similar methods and all by a suspect who fits the discription.

The most recent theft had occurred just hours earlier in Seekonk. There were multiple incidents of theft and attempted theft at Staples located in South Attleboro during the month of May and into early June, according to the . 

"During the incidents, a suspect was able to access the rear stock room of the store where he was able to access several high-priced items," Attleboro Police Det. Sgt. Art Brillon said. "The male was confronted by the manager and dropped the items before fleeing the store. 

"The male fled in a vehicle registered to a Fall River woman," Brillon added. "The male returned on two separate occasions and attempted similar thefts, but they were foiled."

During the investigation, Attleboro Police Officer Kafel worked with the Warwick Police Department and the Westerly Police Department who investigated similar thefts, according to Brillon.

After an investigation, Officer Kafel was able to identify the suspect and applied for an arrest warrant charging a Fall River man with breaking and entering in the nighttime, breaking and entering a depository, attempting to commit a crime and possession of burglarious tools.

Upon issuance of the arrest warrant, Officer Kafel will coordinate with the Fall River Police Department to have the male arrested.