The McDonalds in Columbus was broken into late Sunday evening and an attempt was made to break into the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell the same night, according to the Columbus Police Department.

Nothing was taken at either establishment, police officials say, but damage was done and the attempts could be part of a fast food theft ring occurring throughout Western North Carolina.

Chris Beddingfield of the Columbus police reports that sometime during the night, someone gained entry into the McDonalds through the drive-through window. The person(s) then attempted to break into the restaurants safe unsuccessfully, Beddingfield said.

The incident was discovered at 5:30 a.m. yesterday when authorities were called.

Officers also discovered that a similar attempt was made through the drive-through window at the KFC/Taco Bell, but entry was not made into that building.

Similar crimes have occurred since the middle of September, including at the Hendersonville KFC, a Shoneys and Arbys in Buncombe County, a Burker King in Fletcher and a Burger King in Canton.

The Columbus Police Department has already been in contact and is working with other Western North Carolina agencies and with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

Reports from other Western North Carolina robberies report two masked individuals who are wearing hooded sweatshirts and bandanas over their faces and have used a crowbar to break into safes.

Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 828-894-5464.