SAVANNAH, Mo. - A rash of early morning break-ins at Andrew County and Savannah businesses has law enforcement agencies warning local stores. So far there have been four break-ins, two in Savannah and two in the county.

The spate started last week at about 4:25 a.m. Friday, when someone broke the glass and pushed in the door at the T-Stop Convenience Store, at the Amazonia turnoff from U.S. Highway 71, said Brian Atkins, Andrew County sheriff. The store has a loud alarm, and whoever did the deed was in and out quick, Mr. Atkins said. All they could take was a few cartons of cigarettes, he said.

Then, Tuesday morning, someone struck the BP Gas Station in Country Club Village. They broke a window but didn't enter the store, Mr. Atkins said. The store has an audible alarm.

In Savannah, Pinata's Mexican Restaurant was the victim Monday morning, said David Vincent, the police chief. Someone broke the front glass and stole the cash register. And just after the BP Station was hit Tuesday, the alarm sounded at Miller's General Store on Business Highway 71, as someone broke the front window. The robber went in and grabbed a cash register, fleeing before authorities could arrive on the scene.

The perpetrators did more damage to the property and got almost nothing for their efforts, Mr. Vincent said.

In Savannah, the chief said there were definite similarities at both robberies. Officers are reviewing store videos and have obtained forensic evidence. They won't say that the same people are committing the break-ins, but agree there are similarities.

Deputies are telling local businesses to take all the precautions they can and leave as little as possible for thieves to take.