Thieves hit 5 NC stores, walk away with nothing

LINCOLNTON, N.C. (AP) — A string of fruitless break-ins in a North Carolina town perhaps explains why robbers hit banks where they know they'll find money.

Police in Lincolnton tell The Gaston Gazette that would-be thieves walked away empty-handed Tuesday after targeting five businesses in two blocks. A family-owned printing company, insurance office, and vacuum-cleaner shop were among the shops hit by thieves who got nothing.

ExperTeez printing company owner Chris Tabor says his glass front door was smashed, his desk was rifled through, and some ceiling tiles were removed. He says a blood trail was left by the person who smashed the door.

Police Sgt. Matt Painter says physical evidence collected at the scene could lead to an arrest.

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Information from: The Gaston Gazette, http://www.gastongazette.com