Police are investigating a break-in and theft from a business owned by nine Clare Police Department Officers.

On Thursday June 24, 2010, a Trooper was contacted by one of the co-owners of the Cops & Donuts Bakery and advised an employee was suspected of having stolen nearly $800 in cash from the business and fireworks donations.

A subsequent investigation revealed a 23 year old Coleman man who has been with the bakery for the past year, had been breaking into the office area at night, by prying the lock and stealing various amounts of money. The investigation further revealed the suspect had stolen $791.36 over a month’s time.

The money had been stolen from both the store’s daily sales as well as a Clare City Fireworks donation canister which was displayed in the bakery.

As it became apparent to the nine Clare Police Department Officers who own the historic 114 year old bakery, that money was coming up short from the daily totals, a security camera system was installed. Shortly thereafter, the 23 year old night shift employee was captured on surveillance video entering the locked office and taking money from the cash drawers.

The Coleman man was arrested on Friday June 25, 2010 and lodged at the Clare County Jail. He has been charged with Breaking and Entering, Larceny In a Building, Larceny of Money, as well as being a Habitual Offender. He is expected to be arraigned sometime on Tuesday June 29, 2010.