Police Continue to Work Leads in Triple Burglary

Police have several leads in the case of three burglaries at a Stony Brook shopping center last month.

“It’s a very active investigation,” said detective sergeant Mike Fitzharris of the Sixth Precinct, the lead detective on the case.

He said the crime, which occurred sometime between 10 p.m. on March 20 and 9 a.m. the next morning, was probably carried out by more than one person due to the extent of the work required.

Two floor-mounted safes were stolen from and on Route 25A. Fitzharris said they contained more than $1,000 in cash. Money was also taken from the register at Green Cactus.

Pavilion, a smoking accessories shop, lost computer equipment and a significant amount of merchandise, including glass pipes and other paraphernalia, according to police. Citing his insurance claim, the store's owner declined to comment.

Fitzharris said thieves pried open the back doors of the adjacent establishments to gain entry. He said he could not comment on the stores’ alarm systems.  

“I’m not happy about it. I hope they catch the guys,” said the owner of Station Pizza, who asked that his name not be used. “To be honest with you, I’m so disgusted with the whole situation, I don’t even want to talk about it.”

Blaine Horn of , located next door, said he was out of town at the time of the incident but has talked with his affected neighbors about it.

“This was big. To get three stores in one night, that’s a big job,” Horn said. “They cut the safe out of Station Pizza. They were here for a while. At least three hours, it would have taken. I hope they catch the guys.”