The Orlando Police Department is on the lookout for two to three men who they say have been seen using a sledgehammer to break into Central Florida businesses.
- Men seen using sledgehammer to break into 3 stores, police say
- Men tried to steal 3 safes, but was only successful at latest break-in
- Cash and other items have been stolen
Police provided surveillance video footage of men gaining entry into three businesses by using a sledgehammer. The men are seen wearing dark masks.
The first business that two of the men struck was Liquor Masters on 3936 L.B. McLeod Rd., on Monday, May 16, at 4:55 a.m. One of the men used a sledgehammer to gain entry into the business, officials said.
Police think they were trying to steal a safe but couldn’t move it. Instead, they stole a cash drawer and other items. In the surveillance video, a dark-colored late-model Ford pickup was seen parked behind Liquor Masters.
A third man was spotted outside of the store, police said.
A week later, the masked men are seen smashing into Royal Beauty Supply at 5724 North Orange Blossom Trail in the early morning hours. Again, the men wanted to steal a safe but couldn’t, so they stole boxes of change and cash from a cabinet, police say.
That same morning, two of the men are seen prying their way into the Beauty Exchange Supply at 4497 North Pine Hills Road, according to authorities.
“They were in and out of the business in about one minute, and a significant amount of money was reported stolen,” police said.
Two of the suspects were spotted inside the store, while another suspect waited at the front door of the business to help take the safe.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).