The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

February 8, 2010

Police probe Salvation Army break-ins

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Beckley Police say the city’s Salvation Army thrift store was heavily vandalized twice during back-to-back break-ins.

Detective Sgt. David Allard said one breaking and entering in the 600 block of South Fayette Street was discovered Sunday. The second was discovered Monday morning.

During the first break-in, someone broke through the front door’s glass, Allard said. The intruder then vandalized the store, overturning displays and vending machines. The person also took a donation jar with change inside.

Then, someone broke into the store again, going through a temporary patch on the broken door. The intruder did the same type of vandalism, but also sprayed a fire extinguisher practically everywhere that time.

Property damage will likely be more than $1,000, Allard said.

“We take every crime seriously, but this is a crime against a charity organization that does so much to give back to the community,” he said. “It’s disheartening to see this. We’re hoping the community will come forward with information.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Beckley Police Department at 304-256-1708 or Crime Stoppers at 304-255-7867. Crime Stoppers also accepts tips online at www.crimestoppersofraleighco.org.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

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