BUFFALO TWP — Video of suspects captured by surveillance cameras is a powerful tool for police.

That valuable piece of crime-solving technology apparently proved itself again in cracking last week’s break-in at a Buffalo Township convenience store.

Police have identified two suspects, according to court documents.

The Butler Eagle is not identifying the suspects, both men, 26 and 27 years old, because they have not been charged yet.

Tips started coming in soon after police released a photo from a surveillance camera at the BP/Fueland on Ekastown Road. The callers recognized the suspected burglars.

Police said the crooks used a red baseball bat about 2 a.m. Thursday to smash a glass door in back of the store and get inside.

One of the men went directly to the cigarettes, stealing several packs of L&M menthol smokes.

The other alleged burglar went to a cash register, swinging the bat hard enough to destroy the machine, which turned out was empty.

Police noted that the break-in set off the store’s alarm and triggered the surveillance camera.

Another security camera at a neighboring business, meanwhile, caught on video a car that matched the description of one of the suspect’s dark blue Chevrolet Impala.

District Judge Kevin O’Donnell Friday issued police a warrant to search the man’s mobile home and car for evidence of the crime, including the red ball bat, L&M cigarettes and clothing both suspects were seen wearing that night.

Police noted one of the suspects lives in the township. His alleged accomplice has been staying with him recently, documents said.

It was not known when the suspects would be charged. Police did not return a telephone call this morning.