Given the popularity of used car batteries at the Walmart in Lower Macungie Township, one could only imagine the value of new ones.

For at least the third time in a year, the department store at 1091 Mill Creek Road reported car batteries stolen from a locked area to the rear. The most recent theft involved 125 used batteries and occurred between 12:29 and 12:50 a.m. Nov. 26, police said.

Two men forced entry into a gated storage area in a yellow Penske van, according to state police at Fogelsville. No value was provided.

Police reported two prior battery thefts at the same store.

On Oct. 19, a white Penske van pulled up to the same area, police have said. Forty-five used batteries were taken in the early morning hours that day. Police reported a total value of $360.

Fewer details were offered following a Dec. 20 battery theft. An estimated 30-40 batteries were taken from behind the store on that occasion. It wasn't clear whether those were new or used batteries, but the location seems to be an area where trade-ins are stored. No value was provided on this occasion.