Police: Burglar Potentially Stole Ring Of Keys To Local Businesses From North Franklin Twp. Municipal Building
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) - State Police are looking for a burglary suspect who stole cash and possibly a ring of keys that would grant access to local businesses.
Pennsylvania State Police Washington announced on Monday that they're investigating a burglary that happened on Sept. 14.
The burglary occurred at Franklin Farms Road at the North Franklin Township Municipal Building in Washington County.
The burglar, who was described by officials as a thin, white male with a mustache in his 30s, first attempted to break in through a window.
A steel door blocked his entry, so he moved to another window.
KDKA's Jon Delano reports that the burglar used a piece of asphalt to break the window. He got in and apparently stepped on an open drawer of a file cabinet. He knocked the cabinet over before falling into a desk.
The desk was destroyed, and he exited to find some money.
Inside, he broke the window to the tax collector's office, but couldn't break the safe.
He moved on, and found a drawer with $120 in petty cash inside.
In addition, police believe the burglar might have taken a ring of keys belonging to local businesses.
As police continue to investigate, local businesses are concerned.
"I, quite frankly, have never heard of that before, but I wouldn't say it's not out of the realm of possibility," said Jeff Kotula, regarding the key ring.
"I know our local law enforcement likes to provide access to a business if there was potentially a fire or some type of emergency so police could have access to that business."
WATCH: Jon Delano talks about the potential impact on local business owners
The stolen key ring may have had as many as several dozen keys to local businesses.
Jeff Kotula is the president of the Washingon County Chamber of Commerce.
His recommendation to North Franklin Township shopkeepers is straightforward: "Well, first and foremost, I'd recommend making sure their security systems were up to date and working, of course. Secondly, to monitor any type of security system or surveillance they may have over the next couple of weeks, just to ensure they're safe. And of course, very basically, if they feel uncomfortable, to change their locks."
"I think the primary thing is the safety of their business, their employees and of course, their customers."
