Derby, Vermont - September 15, 2011
Business owners in Coventry and Irasburg woke up to break-in alarms early Thursday morning.
Vermont State Police Sgt. Sean Selby explained, "The first three came in between 4 a.m. and 4:30 and are all within a few miles of each other. As the morning went on the two businesses without alarms showed up saying they had things gone through and missing as well."
Five businesses all within five miles of each other along Route 5 in including Croteau's Garage, European Autoworks and the Coventry Village School were hit, then a few hours later a vacation home in Derby.
"The Derby burglary which took place around 6:30, they took a lot of liquor, some money and some jewelry," Selby said.
Police say witnesses saw two people getting into a car at one of the break-in sites. Authorities have not named any suspects but speculate they are local thieves.
Royer's Minimart was spared in this spree, but owners say they were targeted multiple times over the summer.
"It happened three times in June. They took cigarettes, alcohol, change, candy. Little stuff like that," the owners said.
The store has since installed security cameras and an alarm system, but it hasn't stopped.
"I think it is horrible. we are just a small little mini mart and if anyone wants help we will help them. We always have," the owners said
Several small businesses like Royer's line Route 5, and owners say the news is unsettling in the small community.
"People that own other businesses around are upset and going crazy. They do not know what is next."
State police say they plan to use surveillance footage from cameras like the one at Royer's mini mart to identify the thieves.
Molly Smith - WCAX News
