From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The owner of Lee’s Pawn Shop said he is leaving Center Point after a burglary overnight. It happened in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 11.
Lee said this is the 11th time someone has broken into his business in the past two years. The pawn shop has been at 2027 Center Point Parkway for 28 years, but after this latest incident, Lee said he already has another building and he plans to close up shop and move to Oneonta as soon as possible.
“It’s the crime in Center Point,” Lee said. “It’s horrible! I had a customer pull a gun on another customer a couple of weeks ago. I’m out!”
The ATF was on the scene early Thursday gathering surveillance video and tools left behind by the crooks.
Lee said the burglarers broke into the rear of the old Nationwide Insurance business, which is next door, and used a chainsaw to cut holes through the walls and gain entry to his business.
“Then they smashed all the counters and got the guns,” Lee said.
An ATF agent who did not want to be identified said those stolen guns will likely be sold within 48 hours. That’s why, he said, the investigation is timely.
Lee’s Pawn Shop is the only remaining business in the shopping center on Center Point Parkway and 21st Avenue Northeast. Once it moves out, the shopping center will be empty. The Nationwide Insurance and Mattress Plus & Waterbeds have already moved out.