The front door of Litman Excavating in New Martinsville shows evidence of someone trying to break into that business on Monday night. (Photo by Amy Witschey)

New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil said several of the town’s businesses have been the victims of late night robberies during the past three weeks.

The most recent instances were on Monday night at NTB where the front glass was broken and at Litman Excavating where it appears entry was not made. Other businesses hit in this rash of burglaries are J.W. Potts Insurance, Peking Super Buffet, Fast Eddy’s, Jackson’s Auto and Towing, Tri-State Petroleum, and Valley Towing and Auto Repair. It appears that the thief is only seeking cash. For instance, at J.W. Potts, all that was taken was $6.

Cecil advises local businesses not to leave any money laying around and be sure to take any cash from the premises at night. Also, he asks that businesses try to limit the cars on back lots overnight, leave a few lights on in the front of the business, and open any blinds at night to give police interior visibility.

“We’re working hard on trying to figure out who it is. We have no suspects yet, so now we’re going to the public,” said Cecil. Anyone with any information that might help the police solve the crimes is asked to call the NMPD at 304-455-9100.

Cecil said while they don’t have a suspect(s) he believes a perpetrator would have to be an extremely thin person to get through the hole in they made in the window at Peking Super Buffet.