HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A Hamden business owner is reeling after falling victim to two separate smash-and-grab burglaries in the span of just seven days. The owner of the Smoke Gallery, located on Dixwell Avenue, says the brazen late-night heists have left him with thousands of dollars in losses and a growing sense of frustration regarding security in the area.
Surveillance video captured the most recent intrusion, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The footage shows a group of masked individuals shattering the glass front door before moving quickly through the aisles. In a matter of minutes, the suspects cleared out shelves of high-end glass pipes, premium vaporizers, and large quantities of tobacco products.
“It’s disheartening,” said the shop owner, who requested to remain anonymous due to safety concerns. “You work hard every day to build a business, to serve your customers, and then in two minutes, someone comes in and takes whatever they want. It’s not just the inventory; it’s the repair costs, the shattered glass, and the feeling that you aren’t safe in your own shop.”
According to the owner, the first break-in occurred just last week, following a nearly identical pattern. In both instances, the perpetrators targeted specific, high-value items, suggesting they may have cased the store beforehand. Combined, the two incidents have resulted in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise and thousands more in property damage.
Local authorities confirmed that they are investigating both incidents. Hamden police are currently reviewing the surveillance footage provided by the business to determine if the same individuals are responsible for both crimes. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to a break in the case.
Business owners along the Dixwell Avenue corridor are expressing growing concern over a perceived uptick in commercial property crime. Many are now discussing the need for increased patrols and upgraded security measures, including reinforced glass and reinforced interior storage. For the owner of the Smoke Gallery, however, the priority remains focused on recovering his losses and finding a way to operate without the constant fear of another midnight visitor.
“I’ve had to spend all morning just cleaning up shards of glass,” the owner added. “I’m trying to stay open, but it’s becoming incredibly difficult to sustain when you are being targeted back-to-back like this.”
The Hamden Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the Smoke Gallery on the nights of the burglaries to contact their investigative unit. Residents with doorbell camera footage from the vicinity are also encouraged to check their devices for any evidence that could assist the ongoing investigation.
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