Duo returned van to Lincoln hotel hours after stealing it, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Two people were arrested Friday after stealing a van and returning it a few hours later, police say.

Around 4 a.m., officers were sent to the Cornhusker Hotel near 13th and L streets on a report of a vehicle theft.

Police said an employee left a Ford Transit T350 van, worth around $16,000, unlocked and running with the keys inside.

Two people got inside and drove off, according to LPD.

About two hours later, hotel staff called police and said the vehicle had been returned.

The thieves ran away but they were taken into custody shortly after near 16th and N streets, police said.

They were arrested on suspicion of unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal mischief, both misdemeanors.

Police said the van had damage to its rear passenger side.  The dash camera was also removed.