Call them the Breast Pump Bandits.

That could be the name for the group who made off with a $4,000 worth of breast pumps from a Roseville Babies R Us, revealing what could be a surprising black market for the devices.

Deanna Spangler, a La Leche League leader in Roseville, hasn’t heard of an underground trade in the devices, which can easily sell for $300 or more for home models. But she said she wasn’t shocked to hear of the thefts.

“I know there’s people that really need them and they don’t want to fork over the money for a new one,” she said.

According to a police report, the two male and one female unknown suspects walked into the store at 1248 Galleria Blvd. shortly after 7 p.m. Aug. 21, putting 14 breast pumps into a shopping cart and then leaving the premises. The incident was only reported to police last week, presumably after the theft was noticed and surveillance video consulted.

“These may be connected to other thefts of breast pumps in the Sacramento Valley,” said Police Spokeswoman Dee Dee Gunther.

Use of breast pumps, which allow a mother to store milk for later use, has risen along with the popularity of breastfeeding. In 2004, 74 percent of moms breastfed their newborns, compared to 61 percent in 1997.

Manufacturers have been eager to cash in. In recent years they’ve introduced a growing stable of ever more elaborate electric devices, with dramatic improvements over the decades-old hand pumps.

“They sell for anywhere from $189 and up to $350 depending on what model you get with all the bells and whistles,” said Abbie Hoag, owner of The Pump House in Vacaville. “It really comes down to whether it has a good strong motor.”

Babies R Us declined to comment on the incident or prevalence of the crimes. Yet the Internet is filled with cautionary tales from consumers who purchased pumps from online auction sites like eBay, only to discover they were stolen.

One poster recommended asking sellers for the device’s unique serial number which can then be verified with the manufacturer. And the industry leader, Medela, also maintains a list of approved sellers online.

Hoag said mothers shouldn’t ever buy the devices from auction sites, and not just because they might be stolen.

“People have to be careful about viruses,” said Hoag, a lactation consultant and registered nurse who rents out 35 hospital-grade pumps, which are designed to be shared.

Indeed, most of the non-hospital-grade breast pumps are supposed to be used by a single person because of contamination risks.

Breast pumps didn’t make a list of the top 10 most shoplifted items, according to a 2005 report from the Food Marketing Institute, but pregnancy tests and infant formula did, clocking in at Nos. 4, 7 and 8, respectively.

Hoag acknowledged the lousy economy has resulted in more cost-consciousness among mothers, perhaps spurring a trade in hot merchandise.

“Money is tight and people are looking at their budget,” she said. “But I think you’re gonna take the risk if you can’t see the box when you look online.”

Suspects in the Roseville incident were described as:

* a male with dark hair and medium build, wearing a white T-shirt and dark-colored jeans.

* a female with dark hair, medium build wearing a black T-shirt and dark jeans.

* A male, with dark hair wearing dark clothing.