Statesville non-profit victim of two break-ins in one month
STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Iredell COAST’S Hidden Gem Variety Store was the target of two breaking and entering cases within about a month.
Leaders of the organization believe the same person committed both burglaries.
“He had the same build, same mannerisms, same everything,” said Joshua McCrary, executive director of Iredell COAST. “He ran straight to where the safe used to be.”
Surveillance cameras captured video of the crimes.
PREVIOUS: Statesville businesses targeted in string of break-ins
Footage shows the perpetrator spending about ten minutes trying to pry the door open. Once the glass door broke, an alarm sounded and alerted police. The suspect spent less than two minutes in the store. Officers arrived within five minutes.
McCrary said Statesville Police did not assign an investigator to their case until after the July 8 break-in. He said the recent response from law enforcement has been encouraging.
“The communication has been wonderful from the investigator. I met with him again yesterday,” McCrary said. “They kind of assured us, ‘look, we think we may be having may have some leads here. Just be patient.’ And this is certainly something that takes time, and we understand that.”
SPD reported in June there were 38 commercial breaking and entering cases within the first six months of 2024.
Statesville Police warn of rising number of commercial break-ins
Queen City News reached out to police officials for updated statistics. They did not respond to interview requests.
Hidden Gem Variety Store employees said they’ve received an outpouring of community support and new donations.
“You know, at first we thought this is something that happened and we’re just going to take responsibility for it. And then it happened again. And you’re like, ‘Man, we can’t afford this.’ This is really eating into outreach for the community,” McCrary said.
The thief got away with nearly a thousand dollars in cash in June. They took no money in July.
McCrary said insurance could not help them replace the door for a second time. Statesville Glass helped make repairs.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
