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Police investigate 13 Hickory business break-ins

HICKORY, N.C. — Hickory police are trying to find the person or persons connected to 13 business break-ins.

SURVEILLANCE PICS: Police investigate 13 Hickory business break-ins

Investigators said someone has been breaking into businesses along the Highway 127 North corridor, between the 200 and 1800 block, since Dec. 18.

In all the incidents, the burglar or burglars waited until the business was closed and then forced their way in.

Officers obtained video from the Nationwide Insurance building on Springs Road Northeast and pictures from the Dunkin' Donuts on 2nd Street Northeast that showed a man breaking into the buildings.

Click PLAY to watch surveillance video

The Hickory Police Department is advising business owners to make sure their camera and security systems are operating properly.

At a restaurant near downtown Hickory, restaurant owner Paul Martin showed Channel 9 surveillance cameras he has around the rear of the business to keep burglars away.

Click PLAY to watch second part of surveillance video

The restaurant has been hit twice recently.

"I know people are struggling but we're struggling as well as a business to try to stay open. They took a microwave and mini air conditioning unit that we had," Martin said.

Police hope that surveillance images will lead to an arrest in the case.

Investigators said the burglar in a break-in at an insurance office and at a Dunkin' Donuts was wearing similar clothing and could be the same person.

The lead investigator in the case said the burglar isn't using a crowbar or a screwdriver to get in.

Instead, he uses whatever he can find on the ground nearby, like a rock, to break out windows at night.

At a nearby florist shop, owner Jerri Hartshorn plans on replacing her back door with a steel one to make it more secure.

"Go get a job and work for what you need.  That's what we all do.  We're a small business with employees.  It has a huge impact." Hartshorn said.

In nearly all of the cases, the burglar is doing more damage than actually getting any money.

Most of the owners aren't leaving any behind at night.

"I think it is terrible what times have come to and it has been very frustrating," florist Amanda Johnson said.

Police are stepping up patrols tonight and hope someone recognizes the person in the video and gives them a call.

Police are asking anyone with information on the break-ins to call the lead investigator at 828-261-2020.

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