Photo of Grand Forks Burglary Suspect Released - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Photo of Grand Forks Burglary Suspect Released

     We have new developments regarding a string of burglaries in Grand Forks over the weekend: police have released a surveillance photo of a suspect they believe to be responsible for burglarizing four restaurants.

     It appears police are trying to catch a pro; police say a white male suspect methodically and quite quickly burglarized four Grand Forks restaurants early Saturday morning and walked away with thousands.

Sgt. Travis Jacobson, Grand Forks Police: "At this time we don't have an exact amount. I know we're in the thousands of dollars."

Reporter: "Under $10,000?"

Jacobson: "If I had to guess, I'd say under that. I don't have an exact amount at this time."

     Police say in all four burglaries the suspect popped open the back doors with a pry bar, found the cash drawer, pried it open, and left. All four restaurants are on well-lit, heavily traveled streets. The suspect hit the Subway on South 32^ND near Columbia Mall and three Chinese restaurants: China Garden on 32^ND, Panda Buffet on Columbia Road, and Great Wall Buffet on Gateway Drive.

     Police say they believe the only link between the burglaries is that the suspect was looking for cash.

Sgt. Travis Jacobson: "I don't see any connection because they were Chinese restaurants. I don't see any connection to that. I just think it's well known that a lot of cash is exchanged at a restaurant like that."

     Jacobson says a simple tip for business owners to keep their cash safe from burglars is to install a safe that bolts to the floor.

     Noel Schanilec, Keith's Lock & Key: "The safe itself runs about $650. Right around $700, you could have it brought over and installed."

     Meanwhile, police are asking for your help; if you have any information about the identity of this suspect,  you're asked to contact the Grand Forks PD at 701-787-8000.