Springfield businesses broken into; bricks, rocks found at scene

Springfield Police are investigating several break-ins at local businesses.

Five businesses on the city’s west side were broken into overnight Thursday into Friday, according to police. The businesses included two hair salons, an automotive business, a drive-thru, and a pub.

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Manhattan Styling Salon, 1329 W. First St., and Super Dave’s Drive Thru, 1875 W. North St., both had a rock, or a brick of some type, found inside the business surrounded by glass. No one at either business wanted to discuss the break-ins with the Springfield News Sun on Friday.

But, Kendra Espich, who owns Shirley’s Alterations and Repair at 1335 W. 1st St. near Manhattan Styling Salon, said she experienced a similar break-in Wednesday.

Espich said she received a call about the break-in around 2 a.m. Wednesday, but didn’t immediately answer her phone. She listened to her voicemail afterwards and was at her shop about 30 minutes later, she said.

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“My front glass on my door was shattered, inside and outside, and came in and my cash register was on the floor,” Espich said.

She said an unknown amount of money was taken and a few ball caps were missing. She said she was glad none of her clients’ clothes were disturbed or damaged and added that it is a bit frightening the break-ins are happening so close.

“It’s actually pretty scary because there are a couple of other stores around that don’t have anything on their door; gates on their doors to prevent someone from busting the window and coming in,” Espich said. “So, it’s like what’s going to happen next? What’s going to be here tomorrow when I come in tomorrow. Is there going to be another business broke into?”

The recent break-ins have Espich rethinking her security measures and she said she will put the new plans into place soon.

According to police the other businesses broken into overnight Thursday into Friday were: National Tire and Battery, 1721 N. Bechtle Ave.; Dan & Dee’s Cedar Pub, 1223 W. Main St.; and The Styling Gallery, 1410 Mitchell Blvd.

The break-ins are under investigation and the Springfield Police provided the following statement:

"At this time, we do not have any suspect information. If anyone has information that might help us catch the suspect(s), they can call 937-324-7716."

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