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August 12, 2008

Burglars strike the city

7 break-ins reported over weekend, 14 in last month

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



Six businesses and a government office were burglarized over the weekend, said Live Oak Police Chief of Police Buddy Williams.

According to Williams, the Pepperfish Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Tru Fashions Beauty Supply, Cowboys Bar-B-Que, Bulldog End Zone, Blue Line Crab Company, local dentist Dr. Herbert Mantooth’s office and the Suwannee County Emergency Operations Center were broken into between early Friday and Saturday at around 8 a.m.

Williams said the burglars broke out windows with rocks to gain entry to the businesses. Williams said money was the thieves' object, although a flat screen television at the Emergency Operations Center was destroyed when the thieves pulled it off the wall.

"We've got our hands full," Williams said Monday by phone. He said he planned to put more officers on the streets in an effort to put an end to the burglaries and catch the perpetrators. "Right now we are going to be increasing patrol during the prime hours to keep more eyes out there," Williams said.

LOPD has investigated 14 business burglaries since July 10, and has reason to believe that most of the crimes are related. Other businesses in the area that were burglarized are the Suwannee Democrat, S&P; Food Store, Family Dollar, The Live Oak Sub Shop, Delayna's Fluff and Fold Laundromat, Gwyn's Gifts and Short Cuts Hair Salon.

Williams said he wouldn't describe the burglaries as an epidemic, noting that Live Oak has the crime like any other town. As of now police have no suspects.

Williams said that with just a few steps local businesses can help safeguard their assets: There should be plenty of lighting around the business; cash should not be left in plain sight or in obvious locations; valuables, including laptops and other expensive items, should be taken home when leaving the business; a security system, alarm or some type of recording device should be in place; and always call the police in the event of suspicious activity.

Williams added that the LOPD will be glad to do a security survey of any business and offer suggestions to help make the business more secure and less attractive to burglars. For more information contact the LOPD at 386-362-7463.

If you have any information about the burglaries please contact the LOPD at 386-362-7463 or Crime Stoppers at 386-208-TIPS.

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