THOMASVILLE — Burglars preying on a Thomasville business are in and out in seconds, getting away with small amounts of cash and even taking cash registers with them, according to authorities.

Modern Cleaners, 522 N. Broad St., has been burglarized four times since Jan. 1. Police have responded to 19 business burglaries and 33 residential burglaries in the city since Jan. 1.

At Modern Cleaners, bricks or other objects are being thrown through front windows to gain entry. Thieves are causing more monetary damage to windows than is being realized in cash hauls, according to police.

Capt. Maurice Holmes, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander, said that in two burglaries, cash registers were pried open. In the other two, cash registers were stolen and dumped in wooded areas.

The ongoing investigation shows culprits are wearing gloves.

“We have compiled a lot of evidence,” Holmes said, adding that some burglary arrests have been made, but not in the Modern Cleaners incidents.

Modern Cleaners owners were not available for comment Friday.

Holmes said the suspects, based on a video, are believed to be black males in their late teens. 

“But you cannot make out a description,” he said.

It is believed the same people are burglarizing the business each time.

Holmes said that usually when a group of burglars is arrested, the crimes will stop, but not in the recent rash.

David Hufstetler, owner of American Pawn on East Jackson Street, said an audible alarm system increases chances a burglar will be caught.

“Have a good video/audio system set up,” said Hufstetler, who is also a Thomasville City Council member.

Business owners should seek out their building’s most vulnerable spot for entry by burglars and set up defenses, Hufstetler said.

Employees should know how to detect people who might be casing the store for a future burglary, the businessman added.

Holmes said businesses should not have cash or other valuables readily available at counters.

Holmes advises business owners to Invest in an alarm system and install reinforced glass. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820