WEATHERFORD —
Masked or hooded men burglarized three convenience stores across Parker County early Monday morning in what investigators say are likely related incidents.
According to authorities, the Aledo Bearcat Valero in the 400 block of Farm-to-Market Road 1187 was hit shortly before 1:20 a.m.
Responding deputies and investigators found the store in disarray with merchandise “strewn about.”
After using a blunt object to break the front window of the store, the suspects reportedly took two cash registers, an undisclosed amount of cash, and an undetermined amount of cigarettes, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.
About $500 in damage to the door and window was also reported.
Around 1:45 a.m., Weatherford police responded to a burglar alarm at the Clear Lake Shell in the 2100 block of Clear Lake Drive, as well.
There, officers also found the front door damaged and items scattered across the floor, according to a police report.
Mohammad Salem, the business owner, said video shows two masked and gloved men getting out of a four-door car, hitting the front door with a brick and pulling the glass out.
Entering with trash bags, the suspects reportedly took a cash register, about $500 in cash, cigarettes, chewing tobacco and pre-paid phone cards.
Though losing his only register in the store was the biggest issue for Salem, he was able to open up Monday morning.
The register was valued at around $5,000, according to the police report.
The store had a similar burglary last November and had just reopened about two months ago after a fire heavily damaged the building earlier this year.
“What can you do? We have to keep on going,” Salem said. “This is not going to stop us.”
The Brock Junction convenience store in the 7400 block of Interstate 20 was also burglarized hours later.
Suspects reportedly shattered the glass on the side of the building around 5:20 a.m., entered and took cigarettes and currency, according to the sheriff’s office.
Surveillance cameras in Aledo and Brock also reportedly recorded the suspect vehicle, described as a small compact silver car.
At least three men wearing hoods and dark clothing were also captured on footage.
Deputies are working closely with detectives because of the similarities, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s office investigators are asking that anyone with information contact the sheriff’s office at 817-596-8845 or the Parker County Crime Stoppers hotline at 817-599-5555.
Callers may remain anonymous and could receive up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the individuals involved.
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