Police: Burglar entered store through roof, stole from safe

HICKORY, N.C. — Police said a thief broke into the busiest shopping center in Catawba County -- by going in through the roof.

Channel 9 was with police Monday morning as they tried to figure out how the thief pulled it off.

The break-in couldn't have happened at a worse time -- right after the big holiday shopping weekend.

"It is sad to think that there are people who have to do this at this time of year just to get by, just to enjoy the holiday," customer Barbara Walter said. "They're able to work. I hope they can sleep at night knowing what they've done."

The A.C. Moore was closed for hours Monday as police investigated. Channel 9 was with police and firefighters as suited up before climbing onto the roof.

From the mast camera on the Channel 9 live truck Eyewitness News was able to shoot video of the area where police believe the thief broke in: through an air conditioning unit.

Officers said once inside, the burglars cut or kicked their way through several walls to get to the store's safe.

"It would be a lot easier to get a job then try that stuff," said customer Jeff Nimmer. "You could break your neck."

Police are not releasing the dollar amount taken, but shoppers were stunned to learn how much effort the burglar used to steal from the store.

Investigators said they are checking with other nearby counties for similar cases. Police in Hickory believe the burglar had to be pretty thin because of the size of the holes found inside.