Police investigate smash-and grab burglaries in Exton, Downingtown area

CHESTER COUNTY (WTXF) - Police say smash-and-grab burglars dressed as ninjas have been hitting stores in the middle of the night in the Exton, Downingtown area.

"Looked like they were just looking for cash," business owner Anthony Latino Jr. told FOX 29. "They were kind of dressed like ninjas. They were dressed in all black, they had hoods on, masks, gloves."

The bandits have struck four times this week and were caught on video at several locations. From Rita's in Downingtown to U-Neek computers and Cocco's Pizza. They also hit a Domino's in nearby Uwchlan Township where they smashed out the front door and stole two safes bolted to the floor.

"They took a brick and broke the side little window," Latino explained.

Latino Jr. owns U-Neek Computer Repair just off Route 30. The burglars smashed his side door and came inside. They ignored expensive computers and equipment, instead they went right for the cash draw.

"They were in and out in two minutes," he said.

"Well, I was in shock," Rita's Water Ice owner Talia Dosa told FOX 29.

The suspects smashed their way into Rita's on West Lancaster Avenue. Talia Dosa can't understand why the thieves would target her business.

"We only sell ice cream so I don't understand the logic," Dosa said.

Downingtown Borough and Uwchlan Township police are investigating the smash-and-grab burglaries. They are also investigating a similar break in at the Farmhouse coffee shop downtown two weeks ago. The victims believe these suspects are not from the area and know what they're doing.

"For something like this to happen, they obviously were scouting the places out," Dosa added.

"Definitely seems like they planned it. I don't necessarily think we were part of that plan, but they hit the pizza shop next door to us--saw another opportunity and they took it," Latino Jr. said.

Downingtown police have surveillance video of the two suspects, but they are wearing masks and gloves. They continue to track down leads. They say the suspects are using bricks and crow bars to break into these businesses.