HOLLAND, Mich.- More than 30 businesses and cars have been broken into around the north end of Holland and Park Township, areas with fairly low crime rates.
Police believe the criminals are three people who work quickly, smashing windows and stealing safes and registers.
Now, law enforcement is rerouting patrols in efforts to catch them in the act.
Lt. Mark Bennett of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department says there are quite a few things linking these thieves to the string of break-ins.
“It appears as though the perpetrators smash a front window, make entry, grab quick cash boxes, cash registers, change boxes or coin boxes that are near the register and are out very quickly,” he said.
The break-ins are happening between 4 and 6 a.m. and now police are talking to local businesses, making sure they’re not targeted next.
“It definitely makes me uneasy,” said Kelsey Johnson, who works at Peppino’s Pizza in Holland, one of the businesses broken into. “The night shift, nobody can be working alone. You never know when something else could happen.”
Peppino’s had their safe and petty cash taken, while One Stop Convenience Store in Borculo had their register stolen.
Police say there is evidence being processed. Though there’s no evidence as to whether or not the thieves are armed, police say you should not approach them.
Anyone with information should call The Silent Observer Tip line at 1-877-88-SILENT or the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department at (616) 738-4000.
