but the chips stolen were reported to be $25,000 "cranberries." The crook took them to Palmdale, California, before returning to the Bellagio to cash one in, and then another. Upon the second cash-in, he was busted by Lt. Columbo or whoever it is who patrols The Strip. But it's possible some $5,000 chips were also stolen in that same heist. We'll know more when the next $5,000 chip is offered for sale!