(This story by Chris Mays was published in the Brattleboro Reformer on May 9.)
BRATTLEBORO — A string of commercial and residential burglaries has the police department asking property owners to be extra vigilant with security measures.
“It’s just sad,” said Linda Alvarez, owner of Restless Rooster Cafe, which was burglarized on May 3. “Hopefully they catch whoever does this.”
Alvarez said the suspect/s came in through the basement of her Elliot Street-based business and took money from a drawer. She opened Restless Rooster more than a year and a half ago. Previously, she owned a cafe in Florida. Neither business had ever been broken into before this incident.
A Frost Street home was burglarized on April 22 and one on Meetinghouse Lane was broken into five days later, according to Brattleboro Police Lt. Michael Carrier.
Carrier said an arrest was made for the April 10 burglary of Duo Restaurant. Three other downtown restaurants have also been broken into, with the most recent incident occurring on Saturday.
Police are not sure whether one suspect or group is responsible for the burglaries. Carrier said the department has a person of interest.
Residents are advised to keep their homes secured. If personal belongings are held in a safe, Carrier said, make sure the safe is secure.
“Be familiar with your surroundings,” he said. “If you’re going to be away for some time, make your neighbors aware so they can keep an eye out.”
If any suspicious activity is witnessed, the police department should be contacted.
