Operator Kris received clattering noises followed by the sounds of movement at a rare coins shop in Olympia at around four this morning. She dispatched Olympia PD and continued hearing sounds of breakage and a door alarm. She notified the dispatch of the audio and then heard officers arrive. The police were able to catch one suspect immediately but had to chase another one down. There was some damage to the store but nothing was stolen. A third suspect was involved but managed to get away. The suspects were able to break through the regular door at the front of the business but could not penetrate the steel one in the entry way. They certainly tried though; our customer service representative saw about 15 sledgehammer marks on it when she visited this afternoon.

Pawn and coin shops can be big targets for burglars. Along with the obvious items of value in the front showrooms, some shop owners also keep cash or items of special interest in back rooms. That’s why 100% coverage is critical for these businesses — a conventional alarm system may have motion detectors in the main showroom, but that does nothing to guard other areas.

Read about another apprehension at a Washington coin shop.