Most students would agree that one's pants is not a good place to store something worth $5,000. Nevertheless, Matthew Brooke, 36, allegedly did so Thursday, Sept. 27, when he attempted to steal a rare book from the Wisconsin Historical Society, 701 State St., according to police.
The theft took place at approximately 7:30 a.m., before the Historical Society's library was open.
\The book that was taken was a rare collection of articles from the Pennsylvania Evening Post from January to April 1777 and is worth $5,000,"" Ed Bardon, a detective for the Capitol Police said. The book contained an eyewitness account of President Washington crossing the Delaware River and was one of the two most valuable items in the case. Brooke told police he took the book because he wanted to read a story about a historical figure named William Hill.
Brooke allegedly took the book from an antique bookcase on the second floor by smashing the glass doors with his elbow.
""You don't have to carry any tools with you that way,"" Bardon said. However, after removing the book, Brooke did not leave the building but rather waited for the building's library to open, where he proceeded to use the Internet terminals.
""The staff said that he had his elbow bandaged up as he sat at the terminal,"" Michael Edmonds, deputy administrator for the library, said. The staff who noticed the broken case called the Capitol Police and kept an eye on Brooke until the police arrived and recovered the book that Brooke was reportedly keeping in his pants.
""We have a number of security cameras throughout the facility and security was increased immediately after the event,"" said Tom Todd, the buildings and grounds superintendent. ""Really what saved this was the swift action of our maintenance staff, who realized that something was wrong and called the police, before any of the librarians or bureaucrats got here,"" Edmonds said.
According to Dane County Circuit Court records, Brooke has previous convictions going back to 1999, including violating a domestic abuse order, retail theft and resisting officers.
""This appeared to be impulsive,"" Edmonds said. ""This guy was obviously not thinking very clearly; it's not smart to break glass with your elbow and to not leave the scene of a theft.""
According to Bardon, Brooke will likely be charged with felony theft of library materials and criminal damage to property.
