GRAND HAVEN TWP, Mich. — A trio of Ottawa County thieves are at it again, perfecting their “smash and grab” approach with five more break-ins over the weekend.
The Holland and Zeeland areas were hit in mid-May and June, and now it appears the trip have targeted Grand Haven Township.
The thieves have been linked to at least 32 break-ins in Ottawa County. This weekend, Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders was one of their latest victims.
“It’s disheartening to see in this community,” owner John Weenum said. “This kind of stuff doesn`t happen here.” He wonders if he’s served the thieves in the past. Weenum and police both believe the thieves may have gone into the business to case the place before breaking in.
The trio has been caught on camera before and appears to be becoming more brazen as the break-ins escalate.
“I don’t know if these individuals are armed,” Ottawa County Sheriff’s Lt. Mark Bennett said. “I can tell you that in a few of the videos they’re in possession of hammers and other tools.”
Weenum says the break-in has him changing the way he operates. Police are warning nearby businesses to set their alarms and take the cash out after they close.
The break-ins are happening between three and six in the morning. Police have changed their patrols and added undercover officers to the routes, but they say they need the public’s help.
Anyone with information on any of the break-ins is asked to call the Silent Observer Tip line at 1-877-88-SILENT.
