Thieves hit downtown

NEW GLASGOW - Police and forensics personnel are investigating what appears to be a hasty set of break-ins by thieves looking for cash in downtown New Glasgow.
The break-ins occurred at the Goodman Building (Celtic Place) some time between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Tuesday.
At least three tenants in the building were targeted, including the New Glasgow Development Commission, JD Dental Laboratories and Wicks and Willow gift shop.
It looks as though the person or people responsible smashed through glass sections of interior doors to each location and reached through to unlock them and gain entry. That damage has been repaired, the windows replaced, and fingerprinting dust is visible near the doorknobs.
Thom Peppard, co-ordinator for the New Glasgow Development Commission, said a search of the commission office revealed evidence of a search by thieves. But, aside from the damage to the office door, nothing else appeared to be damaged or taken - including a digital camera left out in the open,
He said incidents like this one shake a person's sense of security and that it was a good reminder, however unfortunate, for merchants to make sure their goods are secure.
"Their stock is their livelihood," he said.
Javad Dedekhani of J.D. Dental Laboratories arrived at the Goodman Building shortly before 9 a.m. to discover police on scene investigating.
While it appears the thieves spent a good deal of time searching his business for cash, they didn't take much.
Whoever broke in seemed only interested in cash, passing over electronic equipment such as cell phones.
Dedekhani explained that since much of his business is in dealing directly with dentists, he doesn't keep cash on hand.
He says he's looking into a security system but says despite the crime he still has confidence in the downtown.
"This shouldn't discourage people from setting up shop downtown. This is just petty crime, he said. "It's an inconvenience," he said - "a waste of time."
At Wicks and Willow on the Provost Street side of the building, Tracy MacKenzie said that store's alarm was set off shortly before 7 a.m. Aside from the damage, it appears no items were taken.
"It was just the window, we were lucky," she said.