Business burglarized three times since Dec. 17
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

A Wilkinsville Highway store found itself having to replace door glass, and its cigarette inventory, for the third time since Dec. 17 as a brazen thief perpetrated yet another "smash and grab" early Saturday.

Gaffney police were dispatched to Fred's Discount at about 3:25 a.m. and once again found the door glass smashed with a cement block. About 15 cartons of cigarettes were missing.

Police said they called in a tracking dog on the latest incident, but they didn't indicate if the dog picked up any scent.

Theft losses and door damage totaled about $950, police said.

The incident was almost completely identical to two previous "smash and grabs" at Fred's within the past 20 days.

A cement block was thrown through the window Jan. 2 at approximately 2 a.m. and about eight to 10 cartons of cigarettes were missing. The store was also hit Dec. 17 when someone made off with 14 cartons of cigarettes after smashing the door.

Door damage alone in the three separate incidents totaled $1,500, while the stolen cigarettes are valued at about $1,200.

Store employees could not offer any comments, according to a manager.