UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities are searching for the suspects responsible for a string of smash-and-grab burglaries early Wednesday morning.
"They forcibly entered by throwing a rock or stone through the glass," said Tony Underwood with the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Officials said it took less than 60 seconds for the bad guys to break in and be on their way.
"This is the second time in the last couple of years where restaurants in the Indian Trail area have been targeted," said Underwood.
In all five businesses were burglarized. The targeted restaurants include JETS Pizza, New York Pizza and Pasta, Chinatown Buffet, Jersey Mike's Subs, and Sabor Latin Grill.
The suspects are still on the run.
"They're targeting the cash register or even the safe, but they're in and out in a short period of time," said Underwood.
For JETS Pizza, shards of glass are now a sad reminder.
"There was lots of glass everywhere," said Evaline Shambeau, a JETS manager. "The window was busted out."
The burglars busted in, but officials said they left empty-handed.
"I think it was more of the shock when I woke up," said Shambeau.
As clean-up continues employees and customers are trying to patch things up and get back to business as usual.
"Most of them seemed relieved that everything is okay, but also obviously worried and concerned that something like this would happen are here especially so many places at the same time," said Shambeau.
If you have any information that can help the Union County Sheriff's Office with their investigation please give them a call.