East County was again hit with a pair of burglaries to businesses last week, this time at a store in Montesano and another in Elma.

Both the Montesano Police Department and the Elma Police Department are reviewing video in an effort to identify the suspects and they’re asking the public to assist.

Elma

Elma was hit with yet another burglary in the early morning of Wedndesday, Aug. 30. when two subjects broke into the Elma Mini Mall Grocery and Deli. That follows two burglaries the week before.

According to Elma Police Chief Susan Shultz, at about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday morning two male subjects broke a window and entered the store and stole cigarettes and candy. She noted there were similarities to a burglary at Slates Corner Grocery Store on Monday, Aug. 28 in the way in which the stores were entered and the types of items taken. However, Shultz noted the Elma Police Department does not believe the burglaries to be related.

“I’ve got extra manpower working on this because we just want to make sure this is halted sooner rather than later,” she said.

The two males who entered the store were both wearing hoods and masks at the time of the burglary.

Montesano

At about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Montesano Police Department received a call referencing a burglary alarm at C and T Food Mart in Montesano.

According to Chief Brett Vance, the department was in Elma assisting the Elma Police Department with a burglary to one of their mini marts when the call was received.

The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s office assisted Montesano with the call. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement saw the front door had been smashed and numerous items had been thrown about the store as well as outside the store. An assortment of items were taken.

“We have good video and are trying to identify suspects now,” Vance said. “If anybody has any information they can give us a call at the Montesano Police Department.”

The Montesano Police Department can be reached at (360) 249-1031.