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Smash & Grab Burglary Suspect Charged In 3, Suspected In Dozens More

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- A suspected smash and grab burglar has been charged in three business break-ins but could be connected to dozens of other similar crimes.

A background check for Adrian Hicks shows numerous convictions dating back more than a decade. The most recent break-ins on South Broadway happened when it was snowing out and police followed footprints to make an arrest.

smash and grab footprints in snow
(credit: CBS)

Police say the footprints from busted up businesses, including a beauty supply store and cell phone store, on a strip mall led them to the Villa Parada Apartments where they found Hicks, 45.

According to court documents, investigators found beauty products and stacks of cash in the apartment where he was hiding. He reportedly told police he didn't break in to the salon but saw that someone had and decided to go inside and take 15 to 20 bottles of shampoo for his girlfriend.

smash and grab computer store
(credit: CBS)

"You feel vulnerable that someone broke in. I was just thankful that no one was hurt," said the beauty supply store owner after Hicks was arrested.

The week before Hicks was arrested several other businesses located along Hampden Avenue were victims in similar smash-and-grab burglaries.

Smash & Grab2
(credit: CBS)

In some of those cases, the culprits were captured on surveillance video. Police are working to determine whether Hicks is the same suspect wanted in those crimes.

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