Rochester, MN
October 20, 2006
Two Somali-run grocery stores in different parts of Rochester were burglarized within 24 hours of each other.
We're told the owner of Tawakal Grocery found steel barriers removed and windows smashed when he got to his shop Thursday morning.
The store is on 12th Street Southeast in Rochester.
Police say burglars made off with phone cards and money orders. The owner tells police 30-thousand dollars worth of merchandise is gone.
Tawakal is owned by a Somali man.
Another Somali-run grocery store was also burglarized Wednesday night.
"As far as the International Market... we've had a couple recently back-to-back. As far as a trend, I don't know that we can say there's been a trend developing yet," says Eric Strop, Rochester Police Dept.
Police have named no suspects yet.
If you have any information about these robberies call the Rochester city tip line at 507-285-8200.
Officer Strop says a burglar alarm went off at Tawakal Grocery, but because of an alarm in another part of the city, Police couldn't get to the store in time.
Source: KAALTV, Oct. 20, 2006