DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities are investigating if early morning break-ins at three downtown businesses are connected after the string of crimes were committed in the same area on Thursday.
Detroit police reported at least two suspects broke into historic American Coney Island on Lafayette around 5:30 a.m. and made out with a cash register.
Only, the joke was on the thieves, police said, as the register was empty at the time is was stolen.
As reported by The Detroit Free Press, owner Grace Keros said the pair gained entry into the eatery by breaking through the front door. Despite the clean up, they were open for business as usual on Thursday.
Cpl. Dan Donakowski told the Detroit Free Press that they believe the crime was committed by two suspects, but police are still investigating as the break-in at American Coney Island may be connected to two other thefts in the same area during the overnight hours.
WWJ has a call out to the Detroit Police Department, but no other information was known about the two other incidents.
According to American Coney Island's social media page, the restaurant is Detroit's oldest family-run restaurant having been in operation since 1917 -- it is the original home of Detroit's famous chili dogs.