COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR)--Police aren't the only ones frustrated by the thieves who keep targeting a Colonial Shell in Colonial Heights.
They’ve been hit three times in six days. The repairs, and prevention, have wound up costing thousands of dollars—in the end, more than the value of the goods stolen.
To start, they’ve replaced their front door three times.
Surveillance footage shows the three thieves making their way quickly through the store; each one knowing exactly where to go and what to grab.
"They appear to know where the products are that they are looking for and they go immediately to the products and immediately out of the store,” Sgt. Rob Ruxer, Colonial Heights Police.
Store owners have just installed iron bars to keep it from happening again.
"It appears they're using either a large rock or cinder block and it also appears the suspects are bringing that item with them, for this specific purpose of breaking into the glass door,” said Sgt. Ruxer.
Police said that each time, the crooks are in and out in under a minute.
The loot?
Beer and cigarettes.
Investigators said the thieves also targeted the Valero that is less than a mile down the road.
"It’s very sad, very, very sad because it’s such a nice family that owns this place,” said Monica Raymond, who’s concerned about the break-ins.
"Have to spend money to fortress your business--more or less--put bars on, replace windows, whatever they have to do, it’s just a shame people have to do that, just to try and make a living,” said Gregg Rohrbaugh, who lives nearby.
Police believe the trio may have parked a small Maroon SUV about a block from the store.
Police consider the two people featured in the video to be persons of interest. If you recognize them they'd like to hear from you.
They say if you know who the persons of interest are to call Crime Solvers at 748-0660.
