OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. – Several business break-ins in eastern Ottawa County along M-45 caused concern for residents Monday.
“They called me about 9, 9:30 a.m. and said you’ve been broken into, I said oh Lord, here I go again with all of my tools gone!” said John Woods, owner of J and J Motor Sales, 6524 Lake Michigan Drive.
The incidents reportedly occurred in Allendale and Tallmadge Township early Monday morning. Along with J and J, sheriff deputies were called to several other break-ins along M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Deputies found windows smashed out of the businesses and money, along with checks were stolen.
“I just thank the Lord they didn’t take anything because times are hard right now, times are rough. “ Woods said.
He believes that a police scanner accidentally left on might have scared the thieves because nothing was taken. However, he does have to come up with a few hundred dollars to cover the cost of the door.
The businesses that were broken into were State Farm Insurance, Farm Bureau Insurance, J & J Motor Sales, a vacant building and a chiropractor.
“This is the third time that I’ve been broken into all through the same door.” Michael Anderson, of Anderson Family Chiropractic said.
Police believe the break-ins are related to several that occurred in the Georgetown Township area about 10 days ago.
A safe was stolen in Allendale. The property was later recovered in Grand Rapids near Bridge Street NW and Garfield NW.
Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to call Silent Observer at 1-877-88SILENT.
