Rachel Richardson reports:
Law enforcement officials from several local communities are investigating a rash of burglaries at a number of local businesses this week, including four break-ins in Mason – near the West Chester border – overnight.
Mason Police Department Det. Jerry Deidesheimer says his department contacted other Warren County agencies after last night’s reported break-ins in Mason and discovered similar crimes occurring in the past week in Middletown and Lebanon.
Detectives from several jurisdictions are now collaborating on the cases. A news conference is scheduled at 2 p.m. at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in Lebanon.
Police believe the crimes may be related, said Deidesheimer. Most took place between overnight hours at small businesses in strip malls without alarms. In each of the cases, a suspect shattered glass doors and windows with rocks and took the cash registers, he said.
The Mason businesses hit overnight — SugarPlums Cupcakery, Cincinnati Team Apparel, Zoom Nails and Alterations and Tailoring — are all within less of a mile from each other around Snider and Tylersville roads.
“It’s kind of an easy opportunity crime,” said Deidesheimer. “These people knew these businesses weren’t alarmed. It’s a lot of damage and a lot of headache for a small amount of cash.”
Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses and may have a vehicle description.
The Enquirer will update this story.
