Police investigating burglary spree in Orange and Rockland counties

PIERMONT, New York (WABC) -- Police are investigating a spree of smash and grab burglaries in five towns in Orange and Rockland counties.

Authorities say convenience stores have been targeted recently along Route 9W from the New Jersey state line on north.

Burglars smash front windows, take cash registers and take off.

Video captured at a mini mart in Piermont shows the brutal efficiency as a rock was thrown through a glass door and in less than ten seconds, the suspect runs out with a cash register in his arms.

Investigators spent the morning retrieving surveillance video as police in several municipalities search for at least two suspects.

The burglaries spanned 50 miles along Route 9W. As many as ten convenience stores that were all closed at the time were hit, and the M.O. was the same: a large rock was thrown through the glass.

At Stony's Food N News, the suspect jumped over the counter to get at the register, which contained $500.

"24 years here and this happened for the first time," said store owner Vijay Wadhwa. "It was shocking."

The suspect shown entering the stores is wearing a t-shirt with a distinctive pattern. The second suspect is seen wearing a newsboy style cap.

Although 9W is a busy corridor, it can be quiet at night, providing the suspects with an opportunity.

"It's feast or famine, I would imagine," said Keith Williams of the Stony Point Police Department. "We haven't seen something like this in some time, but it's not out of character for these things to occur."

Police say there were burglaries in Piermont, Clarkstown, Fort Montgomery, Newburgh, and two in Stony Point.