CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The burglar who stole cash from four Carolina Place Mall stores Friday is likely the same person who has hit malls up and down the East Coast, Pineville police said.
An employee of one of the stores discovered cash missing Saturday morning and reported it to police. A Pineville police sergeant told Eyewitness News the burglar entered the store just before close.
“I just left the mall just now at closing time and didn't give a second thought that there could be people hiding to do damage,” shopper Paul Young said.
Investigators believe the man has committed crimes in multiple states on the East Coast. The burglar hides and breaks in through the back door of stores, often after close, police said.
Police are following up on leads and coordinating with other police departments in the state.
“I don't know where they would hide,” shopper Michelle Love said. “That's kind of strange.”
Statement from Carolina Place spokesperson:
“The safety and well-being of our visitors and employees are always our top priorities. We have a customized public safety program, and we constantly review and evaluate our security procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who walks through our doors. However, we do not discuss our public safety measures because by doing so would compromise our efforts."
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Cox Media Group