The Cullman Police Department will be adjusting the way it does surveillance on large buildings after a Christmas Day burglary at the Walmart on Olive Street. Three people wearing masks broke into the store twice that night. Both times, a CPD officer was stationed outside the store.

“Obviously we need to adjust our tactics on the way we cover surveillance,” said Chief Kenny Culpepper.

The store, normally open 24/7, was closed for Christmas when three masked intruders broke in around 1:30 a.m. and spent two hours in the store. They came back again three hours later and reentered the store, hauling away approximately $46,000 in merchandise, primarily electronics, cigarettes and jewelry.

While the store does not have an alarm system, security cameras were in use, said Sgt. Adam Clark. He said they believe the thieves were aware of the officer’s presence outside and communicated amongst themselves to avoid detection.