FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/8/10) A smash and grab is costing an East Memphis business big.
On Monday, thieves plowed their vehicle into the Ventures One Stop at Summer and Raleigh Lagrange and then drove off.
In fact, the damage to the store is so bad three days later they're still cleaning up.
"This is really good compared to the way it looked," said Alexis Ferrell.
Three days after someone crashed their vehicle through the front window of her parents store, Ferrell and fellow employees are still sweeping up little pieces of glass.
"It is almost a hazard to come in because there is just glass everywhere," said Ferrell.
About 4:30 Monday morning someone hopped the curb outside Ventures One Stop and drove all the way to the back of the store where there was an ATM.
On their way there, they clipped the counter, knocked over displays and destroyed the back wall.
The thieves were not able to free the ATM, but did make off without some cash from the register.
They may have also taken merchandise.
"We are still trying to figure it out, because we have to go through everything. Because it was so bad, we are not able to just go and look and see what was missing. We are having to completely go thru everything," said Ferrell.
That means for the time being the store is closed.
Customers can only buy gas here if they use a credit card.
Alexis says they hate to turn anyone away and everyday they do it's costing them more money.
"We are losing a lot of business because people are constantly coming in trying to see if they can purchase things," said Ferrell.
She's hoping surveillance video from the store will help police find the people responsible so they can't do anything like this to anyone again.
"It's terrible. I don't understand it. I want to ask people to put their energy elsewhere and be more productive," said Ferrell.
The store will be closed at least another week.
If you know anything call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH.
- Crooks crash through convenience store
- Ventures One Stop could be closed 1-2 weeks because of the damage
- Store owners are hoping surveillance video will lead police to the thieves
(Memphis 9/8/10) A smash and grab is costing an East Memphis business big.
On Monday, thieves plowed their vehicle into the Ventures One Stop at Summer and Raleigh Lagrange and then drove off.
In fact, the damage to the store is so bad three days later they're still cleaning up.
"This is really good compared to the way it looked," said Alexis Ferrell.
Three days after someone crashed their vehicle through the front window of her parents store, Ferrell and fellow employees are still sweeping up little pieces of glass.
"It is almost a hazard to come in because there is just glass everywhere," said Ferrell.
About 4:30 Monday morning someone hopped the curb outside Ventures One Stop and drove all the way to the back of the store where there was an ATM.
On their way there, they clipped the counter, knocked over displays and destroyed the back wall.
The thieves were not able to free the ATM, but did make off without some cash from the register.
They may have also taken merchandise.
"We are still trying to figure it out, because we have to go through everything. Because it was so bad, we are not able to just go and look and see what was missing. We are having to completely go thru everything," said Ferrell.
That means for the time being the store is closed.
Customers can only buy gas here if they use a credit card.
Alexis says they hate to turn anyone away and everyday they do it's costing them more money.
"We are losing a lot of business because people are constantly coming in trying to see if they can purchase things," said Ferrell.
She's hoping surveillance video from the store will help police find the people responsible so they can't do anything like this to anyone again.
"It's terrible. I don't understand it. I want to ask people to put their energy elsewhere and be more productive," said Ferrell.
The store will be closed at least another week.
If you know anything call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH.
