Big Jack's Cigars on Commercial Street, a purveyor of fine cigars, wines, beer, and accessories, was broken into some time between closing on Saturday, May 19 and reopening on Sunday, May 20. Ted Frydrych, owner, reports that when he arrived on Sunday morning at about 8:50 a.m., he discovered that glass panes in his entry door had been broken. The door was unlocked, but closed shut. Once inside, he found that between $2,500 and $3,000 of premium wines, beer and accessories, such as wine glasses, imported beer steins, cigar cutters and lighters, had been stolen.

"It was very selective thievery," said Frydrych. "It seems like it was done by someone who had been in the shop before." Certain items were taken but many more, including expensive cigars kept behind locked doors, were not. The locked cash register was also undisturbed. One cabinet, a display case for lighters, was smashed, but the rest of the shop was undamaged. "It's bad enough, but it could have been a lot worse," he noted. Frydrych is working to quickly restock his shelves before the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. "Cash flow this time of year is not so good, and with a big weekend coming up, it's difficult," he said.

Frydrych said that the Boothbay Harbor Police Department quickly responded to his call and spent a few hours collecting evidence. BHPD Chief Robert Hasch said that the department was actively investigating the robbery and is pursuing some "slight leads." "We've been dealing with a rising number of business burglaries; that's no secret," said Hasch. Hasch asks for the public's help in this case and in preventing others. "Often when we solve these cases, it's due to a tip from the public," he said. He asks the public to be on the lookout for suspicious activity and to report any suspicious activity to the BHPD.

Hasch hopes that business owners will view this as an opportunity to improve their security measures and, once again, offered some advice for increasing security. He said that it is vital that businesses regularly change their security and money handling procedures, and that large amounts of money never be left in a business overnight. Where entryways are unlit, providing outside lighting might deter thieves. Hasch also recommends that businesses leave at least one light on throughout the night. This allows police and neighbors to better see what is happening inside. He recommends that owners and managers ensure that all windows and doors are locked. Hasch particularly recommends dead bolts, and suggests that in some cases, especially public areas such as downtown, slowing down a burglar may be enough. If burglars cannot obtain easy entry, they may just move on.

BHPD recommends that windows and doorways not be blocked. Bushes and holiday decorations can provide cover for burglars looking to enter through windows or doors. Hasch also urges businesses to remove air conditioners and fans after closing. Air conditioners and fans are easily removed and can provide an easy entry point into buildings.

Chief Hasch is asking that everyone report any suspicious activity, particularly late at night, to the police department. He said that people are frequently hesitant to call the police, but that tips from citizens are some of the best information available to solve these crimes. Hasch also stated that the BHPD is ready to assist anyone who needs a police escort or would like additional security guidance.

Anyone with any information should contact Hasch or any other police officer at 633-5616 or 633-2451, or can e-mail Hasch at bhasch@boothbayharbor.org.