LEWISTON – The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help with information following a daring early week break-in at a Lewiston grocery.

Family Foods of Lewiston, located at 121 Main Street, was burglarized sometime in the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Bertie County Sheriff John Holley said an alarm at the store alerted his office of possible entry at approximately 1:51 a.m., and that Deputy Alvin Hendrix responded to the call and was on the scene at 2:16 a.m.

A visual inspection by the deputy revealed that a person, or persons, had possibly entered the grocery through the business’ metal roof after a 2’ x 2’ hole in the roofing was discovered. The Sheriff said he believed the hole in the roof may have been made with a tool similar to a ball-peen hammer and/or axe.

Among the missing items was an undetermined amount of cash.

The Sheriff said items believed to have been used in the larceny and left behind were burglary tools, including a metal crowbar.

It is believed the robbers left the store by the same entrance through the roof.

“This burglary is similar to another one that occurred in the county (Punjab convenience store on US-13 South in Windsor),” the Sheriff said.  “Information we’ve shared with other law enforcement leads us to believe that this event is similar of several that have occurred in Pitt County.

“It could be out-of-town, or it could be local, a copy-cat,” the Sheriff added. “We can’t be sure, but we’re investigating every lead.”

Holley said his office will handle the investigation in lieu of the Lewiston-Woodville Police Department because of additional personnel.  Det. Sgt. Ed Pittman is lead investigator and is being assisted by Cpl. Travis Askew and Dep. Doug Jernigan.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330.  All information will remain confidential and you do not have to leave your name.