A thief is on the loose in Alpharetta and Roswell.  And if you didn't read about it in the newspapers, it might be because this crook is stealing newspapers and the vending boxes they're in.

"I figured they'd just take a few and stop," says Ray Appen, "but I don't think they're going to."

Appen is publisher of Appen Newspapers.  In past years he's had the evening boxes stolen.  But it's never been like this.

"We've been losing boxes, one or two a week, for eit weeks." he says.  "We've lost twelve boxes at this point."

The most he's ever had stolen in a previous year was three.  So, when the boxes began disappearing off the streets at a rate of two per week, Appen knew something had to be done.

"I'm offering a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible," he says.  "The information can be anonymous.  Just call the Alpharetta police, or call me at Appen Newspapers, and give us a name and where they are.  Once there's a conviction, I've got 20 $100 bills that are yours."

As for why someone would steal the boxes, that remains a mystery.

"They're stealing a few quarters and some tin," says Appen.  As for the cost to him, each box is $300 to replace.

He theorizes that the thief is either a drug addict in need of some quick cash, or it is someone who is angry at his newspapers and is exacting some sort of revenge.