Titusville police are investigating a series of burglaries at various businesses within the city that appear to be connected.
The first of three similar burglaries took place Jan. 3 at the Blue Canoe Bar and Restaurant in the 100 block of South Franklin Street.
Police have previously said the thieves entered the establishment through an adjacent building and adjoining walls/doors.
Once inside, the business’ safe was removed and taken to another location.
The culprits then broke open the safe and took the money from inside, leaving only the damaged safe behind, police said.
The approximate amount of money taken was between $3,000 and $8,000, police said.
Police chief Harold Minch said the second and third burglaries both occurred early Wednesday morning at the Titusville Senior Center and Little Caesar’s Pizza on Spring Street.
Some of the businesses suffered no cash losses because they have substantial safes that were able to withstand the attempted forced entry.
All three incidents took place during the early morning hours, had some method of forced entry, and the perpetrators targeted mostly cash kept within safes/cash boxes, police said.
“We believe they are connected,” Minch said. “They are very similar … We are looking at them as one pattern and one course of conduct.”
Titusville police are asking all businesses to properly secure or remove cash and valuables from their locations during non-business hours. The use of portable cash boxes or leaving cash in the register is strongly discouraged.
Police are also encouraging all businesses and homeowners to secure safes to floors or walls.
Targeted businesses have had video systems that have captured high definition images of the perpetrators(s) during these crimes. Titusville police have shared part of the perpetrator(s) in action.
All businesses are urged to make sure all video equipment is up to date, secure and functioning properly.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Dustin Legoullon at 1-800-223-3008.
Minch said the community has already played a vital role in the investigation because the police can’t witness every crime that happens.
“We have had a tremendous community response,” he said. “They give us valuable information … That’s what solves crimes … It’s all about connecting the dots at this point.”
