NORWICH – Police continue to investigate a rash of burglaries that occurred Friday both north and south of the city and suspect the crimes may be related.
Four separate locations were broken into Nov. 30, all along Rt. 12 in the Town of Norwich. In every instance the burglar) cost each of the businesses more in damages than in stolen property.
Kuntriset Kitchens and Baths Design Center owner Michael Stockin was one of 10 commercial tenants victimized at the Rt. 12 South location.
“They came in the back damaged a lot of the doors and rifled though any and all the drawers they could get open,” said Stockin.
Rainbow’s End Redemption Center, Professional Teleconcepts and Jeffrey’s RV Mobile homes were also burglarized.
Kuntriset suffered a total loss of around $3,000 for damage done to rear doors, interior doors and desks. All were forced open with a pry bar or other metal instrument.
“I don’t know what they used in the back. Those were steel doors both locked and deadbolted but they got through both,” said Stockin.
In total, the business had $40 taken from inside the building with a number of valuable tools left untouched.
“If someone wants to get in, they’re going to get in. Next time I wished they’d just knock on the door and I’ll just give it to them,” said Stockin.
Owners at Rainbow’s End reported a similar story. “They tried the back door but it’s steel and in a steel frame, so they broke right in through the front and back garage door,” said Roberta “Bert” Bartle.
Stockin along with Bartle reported that police informed them that the men involved in the crimes may have also committed similar crimes in the Oneonta area. They said three men, dressed in black and wearing gloves may have been the ones responsible.
“My chainsaw was here, my digital camera in there (pointed at office) and all they took was the cash box and a flashlight,” said Bartle. The business lost about $300 and was the hardest hit in the spree. Bartle said the office had been ‘ransacked’ with papers thrown everywhere and the drawers left open.
“I’m a new business and the money they took hurt me. It’s hard enough without having to deal with idiots like this,” said Bartle.
“My parents always used to say locks only keep honest people out,” said Bartle.
Pro-Tel reported that its office facility north of the City had been illegally entered into on the same night in question, with the suspects breaking in through a window. Nothing was reported missing and the company said it keeps nothing of practical value at that location and no cash.
Jeffrey’s RV, Rt. 12 South, was also broken into with the burglars entering through the back door with a crowbar. Little was taken and the cost of replacing the back door will be more than what was missing.
The New York State Troopers and Chenango County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the crimes. Both agencies said they could not comment on active investigations. Monday the troopers did report that they were investigating possible links to burglaries committed in the Oneonta and Sidney areas.
If you have information regarding any of these crimes, contact the State Police at 334-3296 or the Sheriff’s Department at 334-2000.