CUMMING — Authorities haven’t said officially that the crimes are related, but it appears two smoke shops in Cumming were burglarized the same night as a similar business in south Forsyth.

The Forsyth burglary, which occurred at Blue Havana II Cigar and Gifts on Atlanta Hwy., is suspected to be the work of a crew that has struck numerous similar businesses across the metro Atlanta area.

In that incident, the owner found the front window of the business had been smashed Aug. 25.

There was a large rock on the floor, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s reports. The only thing missing was the cash register drawer containing an undisclosed amount of cash.

That same night, two cigar shops in Cumming were hit with the same smash-and-grab tactics.

According to Cumming police reports, officers found the front window of Awesome Vapor on Canton Road had been smashed with a large rock about 2:50 a.m. The store’s manager later determined the cash register had been taken.

About six hours later, police responded to a burglary at Smoker’s Depot on Atlanta Road, where it “appeared someone had thrown a brick through the window of the front door.” 

Officers noted that surveillance camera footage from the incident showed the suspect breaking the window, and carrying off the cash register.