SYLVESTER, GA -
It's a crime being seen all around south Georgia. Burglars are smashing windows of stores then stealing cigarettes and running.
This time, a convenient store in Sylvester has fallen victim to the bandits.
Saturday night, a burglary happened at this Flash Foods store in Sylvester. To make it worse, it's the second smash and grab at this store in a week. Nearby stores like Family Dollar are taking notice.
"But, we are not alarmed because we have a policeman that stays by," said Family Dollar cashier Jessica Marshall. "Within a split second, we are able to call him and he is here. Plus, we have surveillance cameras all around as you can see. If it does happen, they will be caught."
The crime has put some store owners on edge. Especially if they sell the coveted item: Newport cigarettes.
There are a few businesses like the Family Dollar off of Highway 82 in Sylvester. While they are nervous about the smash and grabs happening so close to their stores, they say it eases their nerves a little bit that they don't sell cigarettes. That seems to be the main target.
The Family Dollar is right across the street from the Flash Foods. One of their cashiers says it is vital to pay attention to what every customer is doing even in the day time.
"Stay and the lookout and watch everyone that comes in and out of your store," Marshall said. "If anybody is standing in the store more than ten or fifteen minutes if it is a convenient store or a store like this. Just keep a close eye on them to see what they are doing and what they are not doing."
We are awaiting an update from Sylvester police about the investigation at Flash Foods.
Smash and grabs seem to be happening more often. Local stores want to make sure it doesn't happen to them.
"A little nervous, we just have to keep a close eye on everybody now that looks suspect," Marshall said.
Businesses hope police can find the bandits responsible for the break-ins.
We do know the Flash Foods store's alarm did go off during last night's smash and grab. We are awaiting word from police to see if the same person or people are responsible for the burglaries.
Investigators say Newport cigarettes are popular among burglars because they're most expensive brand and the easiest to sell on the streets.
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