Burglars break through walls to target south Fort Myers businesses

LEE COUNTY, Fla.-  Two local businesses are counting their losses, after burglars found an unusual way to target the places.

Thieves were able to break into the walls at Villas Plaza along U.S. 41 in South Fort Myers.

The Lee County Sheriff’s crime report says one or more thieves removed air conditioning units from the back of two businesses, and crawled in the openings.

They hit a casino in the plaza and stole cash from the business. The casino owner only commented saying they took a lot of money.

The thieves then removed the air conditioner to gain entrance to Van Pelt Jewelers. The report says they stole at least $4,000 worth of items.

The sheriff’s office says there is no surveillance camera, covering the back alleyway, where the burglars found their way in. Therefore there are no pictures of whoever committed the crimes.

Businesses are telling owners to find a way to secure the alleyway door, which was not locked, giving the thieves easy access to the back walls. Owners are also advised to think about installing cameras to cover the back of the buildings.