Burglaries Plague Business Owners

Several businesses were burglarized along East First Street in Blue Ridge just after Christmas, FYN has learned.On December 28th, Blue Ridge City Police Department received calls from several businesses that had fallen victim to burgulary. Some of the businesses include Angelina’s Deli, N&N Florist, Circle J Family Steak House, Dazzle Cosmetics and the Empty Stocking Thrift Store.

FYN met with Dazzle Cosmetics Owner Melissa Bennett to investigate the event. Bennett stated that her Mom came in and discovered the broken window and missing merchandise. “

Over $5,000 worth of merchandise, a laptop computer and a little more than $100 in cash were taken,”

Bennett said. Dazzle plans to install an anti-theft system to prevent future theft. Bennett also said she was thankful for the support she has received in the wake of the event.

“Myself, my husband and all of my girls that work here have taken turns spending the night at the shop to make sure this doesn’t happen again,”

she said. When asked about restitution, Bennett was unsure how the process would work, because it hasn’t been determined how much, if any, of the stolen products can be recovered.

Randy Porch, of Angelina’s Deli, told an FYN correspondent that they lost just over $400 cash and a camera from their restaurant.

Based on FYN’s investigation, Dazzle Cosmetics suffered the greatest loss. FYN has contacted the city police department for further details on the crimes, but was unable to obtain any information due to the pending investigation. FYN will continue to bring you the latest updates on the investigation and arrests of the suspects.