SEATTLE - Seattle Police say nearly two dozen "smash and grab" burglaries are most likely connected. The crimes have been plaguing West Seattle, Burien and White Center for weeks.
Police say the burglars appear to be targeting small businesses and specifically their cash register or vending machines.
"They threw the rock in," said Uptown Espresso owner Dow Lucarell, "and made a b-line for the register."
His shop on Delridge Avenue SW has been hit twice in a little more than a week. Both times, the burglar or burglars took the entire register and hauled it out.
"That's not good problem-solving," said Lucarell.
There are other similarities. The crimes happen between midnight and 5 a.m., and many have been along major thoroughfares.
Gauhar Faruqi's Zebra Print and Copy, on Fauntleroy, was also victimized twice.
"And all they took was a vending machine," he said.
Police aren't sure if the burglars are using a getaway car, but say businesses should think twice about security and placement of registers. But they plan on increased patrols in the interim.
"Enough is enough," said Lucarell.
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