Akron businesses have been the targets of three “smash-and-grab” incidents within days, police reported.
The first two incidents occurred early June 16 when a vehicle crashed through the doors of a Copley Road gas station and a South Arlington Street drive-thru liquor store. The thieves stole cartons of cigarettes and money from registers before fleeing.
An almost identical incident occurred early Saturday morning at an East Avenue grocery store. Thieves got away with cash, cigarettes, cigars and cellphones.
In the first cases, no surveillance videos were available. Reports indicated a black vehicle was involved. But in Saturday’s case, much more about the thieves was uncovered.
A surveillance video at the grocery store revealed the thieves backed a Chevy Lumina minivan into the doors. The thieves were described as two black men, one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants, gloves and white shoes. The other wore a Carhartt jacket, blue shirt, gray sweatpants and gloves.
Police were unsure if the three incidents were orchestrated by the same people. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 330-375-2490.