Local Radar

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Burglar cuts power to avoid alarm, video surveillance – caught on film anyway

web posted August 21, 2007
MERRIWETHER – An employee arrived at Sportsman’s Corner around 5 am to discover the store had been burglarized finding the front door glass broken and the power meter removed from the building. Edgefield County Sheriff’s Investigators arrived a short time later and began investigating the crime and collecting evidence. Investigators said they believe the burglar thought knocking out the power would disable video surveillance cameras in the store, but he was wrong. Thinking the cameras were off the man did not cover his face or wear a mask. That is a break for investigators and they are seeking the help of the public to identify the suspect.

The store had a battery back-up system for the surveillance cameras and the man is shown in the video tape, collected from two cameras, taking a small sledgehammer and hitting the front door glass several times before getting it to break just after 3 am. He then began kicking the safety glass with his foot until he opened an area large enough for him to enter. The man is described as a white male approximately six feet tall weighing between 220 and 240 pounds with brown hair. He is thought to be around 40 years old and wears glasses.

Once inside the store the man tried to open the two cash registers but gave up and began searching for money underneath the counter. After failing to retrieve any cash the man is then shown taking several cartons of Marlboro and Marlboro Light cigarettes before leaving the store. In his haste the man left behind the hammer he used to break the safety glass in the door.

Before breaking into the store the man broke into a small storage building that is used to store feed, but nothing was reported stolen.  

Investigators said the subject caught on tape at the Sportsman’s Corner burglary may be connected to a similar burglary at the J&L Country Store located at 1625 Edgefield Road (Highway 25 south) earlier this month. In that burglary the power meter was also removed before the burglar pried open a door and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes.

Investigator Jimmy Smith, who is in charge of the Sportsman’s Corner burglary, said he would be checking to see if the crimes are related. Chief Investigator Randy Doran is working another burglary that was discovered in Trenton on Saturday morning. The main power cover there had been removed as well.

If you have any information or can identify the man pictured above you are asked to call the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office at 803-637-5337 or 803-278-1625. You do not need to reveal your identity to provide information.

There are initial reports of a similar event in nearby McCormick County on Monday morning as well. EdgefieldDaily.com has no firm information linking the crimes.
 

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