POLICE SEEK FIVE IN MONEY TRANSFER THEFTS

Western Union money transfers totaling $17,902 were picked up at Food Giant, Schnucks, Kmart and Checks Plus in Cape Girardeau this week after a computer terminal used for the transfers was not turned off, Cpl. Rick Schmidt said.

Police were made aware of the thefts after security personnel at Western Union contacted them, detective Trevor Pulley said.

"They provided us with some of the documentation and paper trails that are being used," Pulley said.

Police declined to say whether the suspects under investigation are from Cape Girardeau, or where the money transfers were sent from, but said this is not the first time money transfer thefts have been reported.

Pulley is investigating 26 money transfers that were made for various amounts.

Western Union allows cash transfers of any amount under $10,000. In order to receive a money transfer, a person must present a valid photo identification card, know the amount of money being sent, where it is being sent from and who is sending the money.

Western Union provides computer terminals for sending money transfers by contract with other businesses. An employee of the business is trained to use the computer.

Police are investigating the possibility that an employee or former employee trained to use the computers was involved in the thefts.

Arrest warrants in the case should be issued today, the detective said.