“Run anywhere from $60, $70, maybe even up to $80 a carton. They take over 100 cartons in just less than a couple minutes. That’s quite a substantial financial hit for the business,” Piqua Deputy Police Chief Marty Grove said.
The store owner said the thieves got away with more than $6,300 worth of cigarettes.
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While it's difficult to make out the pair in the surveillance video, police are asking for the public's help to identify the pair.
"Someone notices an acquaintance or hears of someone that suddenly has a large quantity of cigarettes or offering to sell them at a cut-rate deal, could be an indication that they are stolen and we would appreciate a phone call concerning that," Grove said.
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The two were last seen running east across McKinley toward and alley across from the store.
Grove said police are looking into any possible connection with other smash-and-grab break-ins across town.
"We've had several on the east side of town to local businesses but that has been just a single individual. We don't know if they're related or not and that's all a part of our investigation," he said.
Anyone who sees something suspicious should not hesitate to call 911, especially if someone is walking around a closed business, the deputy chief said.
Also, anyone with information about the break-in is urged to call Miami County Crime Stoppers 937-615-TIPS (8477).
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