Hope police say that burglars attempted to remove the safe from the town’s Dollar General store early Sunday morning by trying to pull it out of the store with a truck and a log rope. When that didn’t work, they came back the next night armed with two tow straps and a log chain.

Town Marshal Matt Tallent said that he kept a reserve officer on duty Sunday night to watch the store. He says that the would-be thieves tried again shortly after 3 a.m. Monday. Officer Skyler Hollin reported seeing a silver pickup truck pull into the store parking lot and back up to the emergency exit door. Three men, wearing face masks, then got out of the truck and again entered the building. Marshal Tallent says that the trio attempted to tie a rope and chain to the safe but were interrupted by Officer Hollin.

Authorities say the men evaded capture by driving through the grass as Officer Hollin blocked the exit of the store. A short chase followed west on County Road 600 North and onto county Road 500/525 East. Tallent says two of the suspects jumped out of the vehicle on County Road 525 East and ran west into a farmer’s field as the vehicle continued north. Officer Hollin gave a short foot chase but lost sight of the suspects.

Tallent says that Bartholomew County and Columbus Police Department K-9’s came out to help. After tracking the suspects for over an hour, the track was lost.

The tow rope and chain were recovered for evidence from the Dollar Store, as was a two-wheel dolly. The investigation is on-going. If you have any information you can call the Hope Police Department at (812) 546-6402. Tips and information can be left anonymously.