Police issue surveillance camera reminder after alleged theft at salvage yard
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IDAHO FALLS – Law enforcement officials are reminding small businesses about the importance of having good surveillance cameras after two men were allegedly caught stealing from a salvage yard.
Stephen Peak, also known as Stephan Rockefeller, was cited for misdemeanor petty theft after investigators say he stole merchandise from an I-Pull display case at 2997 N. 15th East on Sept. 23. Peak’s brother, Christopher Peak, was also cited for misdemeanor petty theft and taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Stephen Peak is a former EastIdahoNews.com employee. Although he has not worked for us since early July, we believe in being fully transparent. As public figures, we hold our current and former employees to a higher standard of conduct. If we ever abuse the public’s trust, you should be able to call us on it.
Stephen Peak has an extensive criminal background and has been convicted on numerous felony burglary, attempted burglary, petty theft and other charges. He is currently on felony probation for crimes committed in Nez Perce and Latah counties.
EastIdahoNews.com was aware of Stephen Peak’s criminal history when we hired him full-time in January 2016 but we believed in second chances and admired his work ethic. He was a good reporter, produced solid content and was often the first one on the scene of breaking news.
As with any alleged criminal activity, all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
After this story was published Peak gave the following statement to EastIdahoNews.com.
“I appreciate that the video was released because I think it is pretty clear that I stole nothing. I paid for my items and the video shows that. That day at I-pull they had a deal that was all you can carry out for $75. I think that may have caused some confusion for my brother.
Again I’d like to point to the video, an unbiased witness that shows me paying for my items and not removing anything.”
The alleged crime at I-Pull was captured on high-quality surveillance cameras that the company has installed in several locations.
“As a small business, it is very important to protect ourselves and our customers,” said Robby Campbell, the I-Pull car lot manager. “Because of this, we have spent a little bit extra on our surveillance system.”
Video footage often helps law enforcement officers find suspects and can be key in solving crimes.
“It’s important for businesses to have good cameras because they can be a deterrent to criminal activity in a lot of ways,” Bonneville County Sheriff Sgt. Bryan Lovell tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Often the video can lead us to other tips.”
Lovell says many businesses have installed cameras but the video quality is so poor that it may not be able to help investigators.
Surveillance cameras have become more affordable over the years and Lovell encourages companies with older systems to inspect their equipment and consider an upgrade.
“The better the quality, the better it helps us,” Lovell says.