Thefts of newspaper machines in a pair of Colorado counties—Greeley and Weld—have reached high levels, with the 47th Tribune newspaper dispenser stolen this week.

The thieves are apparently taking the machines off of street corners, then taking them to remote areas where they use a power grinder and bolt cutters to get into the machine and take the change. They usually then dump the machine alongside a road. Most of the thefts have occurred between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

"It doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort," said Gary Doering, single copy manager for the newspaper. "They have to cut through everything to get the coin box, and it might have only a few quarters in it."

The machines charge 50 cents for a daily issue of the newspaper and $1 for Sunday editions.

The thefts began in October, and at times, as many as five machines have been stolen in a single night. After 47 newspaper dispensers have been stolen and damaged, the Tribune is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thief or thieves.

"We hope that if anyone sees people taking or moving any of the racks, they'll call 911 for the police," Doering said.