NORTH COLLEGE HILL, Ohio — The North College Hill Police Department is asking for the public's help after a series of break-ins early Monday morning.
Police said there were multiple business and vehicle break-ins at around 4 a.m. Monday in the 1800 to 2000 block of W. Galbraith Road, the 1900 block of Shollenberger Avenue, the 2000 block of Carpenter Drive and the intersection of W. Galbraith and Simpson.
According to business owners, at least five shops in North College Hill were targeted, including Peek Into Beauty, a beauty salon.
WATCH: Businesses hit ahead of the holidays are now pleading with the public to help police
"It's just devastating to have somebody take from you and to damage your property," Whitney Peek, the owner, said. "It was truly unbelievable."
Peek said a suspect broke into her business around 4 a.m., smashing the glass out of the front door. He can be seen on security video digging through drawers before making away with her cash box.
"That was rent money. It's Christmas. It was Christmas money," she said.
Since the incident, Peek said, clients have been canceling appointments in the evening. She believes it's due to what happened on Monday morning.
Whitney Peek shared video with us from Peek Into Beauty surveillance cameras, showing the moments a burglar broke in
"They didn't come out right and say, 'Hey, Whitney, I'm afraid for my life.' But these are faithful clients," she said. "I don't want to have to pay for this later and lose my clientele because they're fearful of being in here."
Another business broken into on Monday is YesterYears Used Furniture. A suspect broke in and rummaged through the area where the cash register is, some jewelry, and then left without taking anything, owner Bill Haass said.
Connor wants to hear from you. You can contact him here:
"If they needed money, I give out money sometimes in here; if that's what they need, they don't have to destroy my property," Haass said. "I've got almost 40 years in this business, so it's all I got. It feeds my family."
As they investigate the break-ins, police are asking business owners and residents in each area to review any available camera footage, photos or information regarding their suspect: a Black man wearing gloves, a face mask, a black hoodie, black sweatpants and black and grey Nike shoes. Police said he could be seen carrying a flashlight and a window-breaking tool.
Police provided the following photos as the best images available of the suspect.
Anyone with helpful information is asked to contact North College Hill Det. Megan Whyle at 513-521-7171.
"We appreciate the community’s assistance as we work to identify the individual responsible," the police department said in a release. "Thank you for your continued support and cooperation."
