West Des Moines Bike Shop Money Not Kept Under Lock and Key

Police think someone with knowledge about where a West Des Moines bicycle shop stores its bank deposits may be responsible for the theft of $12,150 between Feb. 20 and 25.

Sterling Parker Heise, manager of Rasmussen Bicycle Shop, 301 Grand Ave., reported the theft to West Des Moines Police Officer Jason Hatcher. The theft of that amount of money carries first-degree theft charges.

The money — in currency, coins, checks, and debit and credit card transactions — was stored in an unlocked drawer in an unlocked office, Heise told police. It remained there for six days, but Heise said he did not check the desk to ensure the money was still in the desk.

According to Hatcher’s report, Heise said he has “no clue” who stole the money.

“But from my investigation,” Hatcher wrote, “it appears that a current or former employee associated with Rasmussen Bicycle was the offending party.”

Heise told police there are several employees and patrons who know that the money is kept there until deposits are made.