WATCH: Thief breaks into party store through ceiling for a third time

A party store on Detroit's east side was robbed for the third time Saturday morning when a thief came in through the ceiling of the building.

The owner, who declined to be interviewed on camera, believes the same man has been gaining access to the store each time -- by hopping onto a fence, possibly climbing a tree to the roof, and crashing through the ceiling.

The latest break-in happened around 1:22 a.m. Saturday morning at the store near the corner of Cadielux Road and Warren Avenue.

"I've been coming here for years," said longtime customer Carol Clements. "I like the neighborhood. I come ... just to see these people and they're nice to everybody."

The first break-in happened May 13, when $3,000 and $5,000 in cigarettes were stolen, and the second on July 2, when the thief took $3,000 and between 40 and 45 cartons of cigarettes.

Clements said it's important that if anyone sees any suspicious activity in the area, they should report it to police.

"We all have to help each other because it could happen to you," she said.

Anyone with information should call Detroit police at (313) 267-4600.