BUSINESS BREAK-IN INVESTIGATED

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- Lincolnton Police are investigating a break-in at a Vandiver Drive business that was discovered by the cleaning crew. Now, police are asking for the public's help and are hoping a Crimestopper's reward will bring new information in the case.

Last week, police responded to Family Coin Laundry around 2:30am, after a member of the cleaning crew noticed a pane glass window was broken out.

Lincolnton Police officer Mark Sain, assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy John Brown, entered the business with a key provided by the clean-up crew.

The only damage the pair discovered was a front glass knocked out of a stacker machine. Missing was an undisclosed amount of money from a prize in the machine.

Damage to the business is estimated around $1,500. Detective Dennis Harris is investigating the case.

Authorities say the business has been broken into before.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers of Lincolnton/Lincoln County at (704) 736-8909. Anonymous tipsters may receive a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in any crime.