Investigators talk string of smash and grabs

(LEESBURG, GA) – Whether it’s been in Dougherty County, Lee County, or anywhere else, local convenient stores have been a target for what law enforcement has referred to as *Smash and Grabs*

“They’re just picking stores that they would see are an easy target. They’re breaking the window, going after a specific item. And then they exit as fast as they get in,” says Lee County Sheriff’s Office Investigator, Chris Allen.

In all of the cases reported as far back as last November, suspects are breaking into these stores and stealing, not cash, but cigarettes.

“Dougherty County Police Lieutenant, Tamiko Whitlock tells us, “We’ve had two in the county where the person has smashed the windows out of a business, when it’s out of a business and stolen a number of packs of cigarettes.”

Every law enforcement agency said the same thing about these smash and grabs, in that they’re going for the cigarette cases. And the reason why they’re going for it is ubiquitous.

“They have a buyer. Our goal is to find out who the buyer is. Because we don’t see a person just walking down the street selling one cigarette. So it has to be someone buying packs of cigarettes,” says Lt. Whitlock.

As investigators continue to investigate instances of smash and grabs, they’re asking convenience store owners to take a couple of precautions.

Investigator Allen tells us, “You can upgrade the rigidity of your front doors. You can also upgrade your camera system. That’s key is having a good, clear camera system.

Anyone with any information regarding smash and grabs should contact their local law enforcement agency.