Police investigate thefts at Alley's, Garcia's
By Jack Shea
Published: August 20, 2009
Early Tuesday morning a thief or thieves entered Alley's General Store and the neighboring Garcia's Deli in West Tisbury. West Tisbury Police are investigating break-ins and thefts at both.
West Tisbury Police Sergeant Dan Rossi said no arrests have yet been made.
Nighttime breaks at Alley's and at Garcia's, behind at left, may have been the work of thieves familiar with the two businesses. Photo by Ralph Stewart "We have partial prints at Alley's but got none from Garcia's," Sergeant Rossi said Wednesday. "What's interesting about both break-ins is that large bills were taken, and one dollar bills were left."
Rhonda Backus, Alley's manager, said Tuesday she believes the theft of several hundred dollars from the store cash register occurred about 3:28 am, based on digital records that showed when the register was opened.
Ms. Backus thinks that entry to Alley's was gained through the rear of the store. Employees opening for business Tuesday morning found a broken screen door and lock.
"My impression is they came in from the back shortly after 3 am, opened the cash register and took the money we had left to make change the next day," Ms. Backus said.
Garcia's does not have an alarm system. Alley's does have a system, but it was disabled due to a recent motion sensor dysfunction, Ms. Backus said.
Ms. Backus said she felt the loss of her sense of community most deeply. "Money is just money, but I grew up here and it feels like they did something to the family or a neighbor, she said. "It's sad when people have to do that. But this is Alley's and we'll go on."
Paul Garcia, owner of Garcia's, reported a loss he said was less than $1,000. He said that a back door lock was picked to gain entry.
The sandwich shop and deli is near Alley's, at the rear of a common parking lot.
Mr. Garcia said he thinks that whoever broke into the stores is familiar with both businesses. "They knew where the money was hidden. I don't leave it in the register," he said.
Mr. Garcia and his family live in a house next to his store off State Road in West Tisbury. "I think we'll find them with the help of the police and the community," he said. "This is the first time this has happened in eight years. I'm confident we'll get to the bottom of it."
Sgt. Rossi asked that anyone with information to call the West Tisbury police station at 508-693-0020.
