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Published on: 9/2/2008
Last Visited: 9/2/2008
The culprits were able to pop out the doors' locking mechanisms, Yelm Police Chief Todd Stancil said.
The thieves appeared to be targeting cash.
The only damage to the businesses were the front doors and to the tills or registers, Stancil said.
A total of $600 to $800 was taken from the four businesses, and at least that much was done in damage.
None of the businesses have alarm systems.However, some of the businesses had surveillance cameras, and police are currently reviewing the footage.
"We're hoping that will give us a face," Stancil said.
Fingerprints were also recovered from the crime scenes and are currently being processed.
Meanwhile, police are increasing their patrols in the business district.
Stancil said he encourages business owners to remove money from their tills at night and to leave the cash drawers open to show thieves there's nothing inside.
He also suggests getting an automated alarm.
"They're definitely a deterrent," Stancil said."Thieves know where there are alarms."
Lastly, Stancil asks that citizens report when they see people out at night who appear suspicious.
"It's a top priority for us to find out who these people are," Stancil said.