Authorities in Cumberland County are investigating a series of area break-ins involving cigarette thefts.
WGME-13 reported Monday that investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office are looking into at least five incidents of cigarette thefts in the past month that might be related.
In the most recent case, deputies reported someone cut a hole in the side of the Big Apple on Route 100 in Gray, according to WGME. The 1-foot-by-1-foot hole was strategically cut, allowing thieves to reach inside the store and grab 25 cartons of cigarettes worth more than $1,000.
On Monday, investigators told the television station they were looking into four other similar cigarette thefts, saying each theft appeared to be carefully planned. Investigators do not yet know if the crimes are related, but pointed out the cigarettes have value on the street, and can even be traded for drugs and alcohol.
Investigators have little to go on as there are no surveillance pictures of the crimes.
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