Bradford Police are currently investigating a burglary at the Bradford Quick Stop, located at 224 Highway 45 North. The break-in occurred sometime during the early morning hours of Friday.
The alleged thieves made forcible entry by tearing away metal duct work on an air conditioning unit at the rear of the store and then climbing through the air duct.
Once inside, the suspect(s) apparently used a tire iron, which was recovered at the scene, to pry open an office door. At least two bank deposit bags are known to have been taken from a file cabinet in the office, according to a press release issued by the Bradford Police Department.
The contents of those bags included credit card receipts, checks stamped for deposit, and an undetermined amount of cash. The store owner is still taking inventory of the losses.
The burglar(s) also broke into an ATM machine inside the store. The machine, valued at around $2,500, was heavily damaged, but the suspect(s) were reportedly unsuccessful in stealing any of the money within.
Also, an electric meter outside the store was found torn away from the utility pole. It has not been determined with certainty the damage to the meter is related to the burglary, but investigators said they believe there is a strong likelihood the same suspect(s) removed the meter intending to cut off power to the property.
The removal of the meter did not interrupt electric service to the business and technicians with Weakley County Municipal Electric System made necessary repairs quickly after being notified.
Bradford officers spent most of the morning at the scene collecting evidence and fingerprints and taking photographs. They are networking with other agencies investigating similar crimes.
Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact the Bradford Police Department or report their tips anonymously by calling their local Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-877-364-TIPZ or 587-2611.
The BPD is also asking area banks and merchants to be on the lookout for individuals who may try to cash any of the stolen checks and immediately report the activity to the nearest law enforcement agency.
The checks will appear payable to the business and, in most cases, will have the store’s red deposit stamp on the back.
Information leading to the arrest and conviction of people responsible for the crimes will be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

WCP 9.04.12