Thirsty Burglar Breaks Into Columbia McDonald's

COLUMBIA, MD — A McDonald's in Columbia was burglarized by someone who apparently was thirsty. The burglar broke into the drive-through window at the fast food restaurant in the 8300 block of Benson Drive, according to police.

Once inside the restaurant, police allege the burglar used the drink machine.

The break-in happened around 4:35 a.m. on Sept. 14, according to the Howard County Police Department.

It occurred at the same McDonald's where a woman dubbed the "Hamburglar" climbed into the drive-through window last November. She, too, helped herself to a drink.

But in that incident, officials said the Hamburglar went on a 35-minute spree inside the fast food restaurant, helping herself to various items, including Happy Meal toys, food, a purse and cash. Later, an employee arrived and found the office door open, the cash registered tampered with and $1,400 missing, police said.

A Howard County judge sentenced the 27-year-old woman to five years in jail earlier this year, with all but 90 days suspended in exchange for her pleading guilty to second-degree burglary.

She was also ordered to complete mental health and drug/alcohol treatment; abstain from alcohol, illegal substances and abusive use of prescription drugs; and have no contact with the McDonald's on Benson Drive. She will be on supervised probation for three years and was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution.

There was no suspect information available in the recent burglary. Call the Howard County Police Department's anonymous tip line at 410-313-STOP or email hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov with info.

• Columbia 'Hamburglar' Admits To Breaking Into Drive-Through
• Columbia 'Hamburglar' Arrested, Police Say
• McDonald's Burglar Climbed Into Columbia Drive-Through: VIDEO

Image via Google street view.