Posted 1/2/02
Five Caledonia businesses burglarized
By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter
Five businesses in Caledonia were burglarized early Saturday morning, December 22.
The Caledonia Police Department received calls from the Redwood Cafe at 5:25 a.m., Green Power Equipment at 7:15 a.m., Kraus Oil & Country Store at 8:00 a.m. and Good Times Restaurant Pizza & Bar at 10:00 a.m.
Upon hearing about the first three burglaries, Caledonia Police Chief Duane St. Mary conducted checks on other business and discovered at 8:39 a.m. that Starlite Bowling Center had also been burglarized.
Houston County Deputy Ken Frank also assisted in the investigation by gathering evidence and interviewing suspects.
St. Mary said it appears entry was gained in all of the break-ins with the aid of a screwdriver. A screwdriver that was found at Good Times will be tested for fingerprints.
St. Mary believes the burglaries are related and carried out by an experienced thief. ìI donít think this is their first time,î he said.
The burglaries are thought to have happened between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 p.m. It is unknown whether they we committed by and adult or juvenile, although, St. Mary suspects it was an adult. It is also believed that the burglaries were carried out by at least two individuals.
The break-ins may also be linked to burglaries that occurred in the town of Houston the weekend of December 15. Kenís Repair Shop, ClassCycle Bikes and Houston High School all reported break-ins that weekend.
Kraus Oil
Entry to Kraus Oil was gained through the back door to the office. There were pry marks on the door. cash was taken from a fireproof two drawer file.
Good Times
Entry was gained through an unlocked window. Money was missing from behind the bar, and from the drawer used for pull tabs.
A jar full of change was not taken.
A screwdriver that did not belong to Good Times was found on the counter as is believed to have been used in the burglaries.
Redwood Cafe
The front door and safe were forced open and a small amount was taken.
Green Power
No money was taken at Green Power where entry was gained by throwing a tire hub that was laying nearby through the window in the north door. It appeared that entry had initially been attempted by forcing the door, but a deadbolt in place thwarted that entry.
Starlite Bowling Center
Entry was gained at the Bowling Center by prying open the door in the west entryway. Damage was done to the cash register, but no money was taken. The burglary happened after 2 a.m.
The business was burglarized two months ago.