NewsLocal NewsAkron Canton News

Actions

2 Akron smoke shops broken into twice within the month, police say

thumbnail_IMG_2400.jpeg
thumbnail_IMG_2396.jpeg
Posted at 11:44 AM, Oct 19, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-19 21:37:09-04

AKRON, Ohio — Akron police are investigating smash and grab incidents at two smoke shops that happened twice at each location within the last month, according to the department.

The most recent break-in happened Tuesday morning around 4:30 a.m. at Valley Smoke Shop, located in the 1600 block of Merriman Road.

Officers responded to the business after receiving an alarm notification.

Officers found the front window shattered and after searching the business, noticed an undisclosed amount of cigars, purses and other pieces of property were stolen.

thumbnail_IMG_2398.jpeg
A worker sweeps up broken glass at the Valley Smoke Shop in Akron.

This is the second time since Sept. 26 that the business was targeted, police said.

Chris Sanchez, who works at the shop, said he's frustrated by the crimes.

"I live pretty much off minimum wage and bonuses and I'm not getting many bonuses when people are stealing your items and breaking your windows," Sanchez said.

The break-in at Valley Smoke Shop was similar to two break-ins at another business, Jetsonz Gas Station Smoke N Vape Boutique, located in the 1500 block of Akron Peninsula Road, according to Lt. Michael Miller.

Police said that business was broken into twice, once on Sept. 26 and again on Oct. 2.

On Tuesday, police released surveillance from both businesses showing crooks with masks and hooded sweatshirts stealing items.

'They are very quick. They're dynamic. They know what they want before they get there. They're forcing entry into the business. They're going straight to the targeted item," Miller said.

Detectives said all of the smash and grabs happened during the early morning hours and the method of entry and circumstances were similar to each other.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2TIP.

Download the News 5 Cleveland app now for more stories from us, plus alerts on major news, the latest weather forecast, traffic information and much more. Download now on your Apple device here, and your Android device here.

You can also catch News 5 Cleveland on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live and more. We're also on Amazon Alexa devices. Learn more about our streaming options here.