Imported Lagers

Beer runs may be fun and games to some, but Peoria police spent the better part of the summer cracking down on minors and adults caught stealing alcohol from convenience stores.

Operation Chug-a-Lug was a two-month operation, netting 67 arrests, according to Peoria police.

Peoria police said violators ranged from underage drinkers to adults who couldn’t afford alcohol and tried to make off with some to use or sell.

The thefts have long been an annoyance to businesses but in response to a recent spike in incidents, police identified eight convenience stores that regularly experience such crimes. From June 11 to Aug. 7, plain clothed officers positioned themselves outside the stores during peak times for beer runs, between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

They witnessed and took action on 24 beer runs.

Police spokesman Mike Tellef said a typical beer run consists of one person distracting the clerk while another steals the alcohol.

He cautioned that clerks should not chase the thieves because things could become violent, turning a misdemeanor crime into a serious felony.

If convicted, offenders can expect anything from a slap on the wrist to probation or heavy fines.

A federal grant paid for the operation, which took 120 man hours and cost $5,500.