Cigarette Heist Thwarted

A Grand Union store employee spotted two burglars inside the Queen Street supermarket early on the morning of March 12, attempting to steal a large number of cigarettes, police said.

Police said the store employee, who was entering the building about 4 am to start work, spotted the two burglars, who were dressed in black, at the store’s courtesy desk, placing cartons of cigarettes into a large box.

The burglars were attempting to steal 132 cartons of cigarettes, valued at more than $4,600, police said.

On realizing that their burglary had been discovered, the two burglars ran to the rear of the supermarket and left through a fire exit, police said. Police did not have a detailed description of the burglars.

The crimes committed include second-degree burglary, attempted third-degree larceny, and third-degree criminal mischief.

The Grand Union store is in the process of going out of business and is selling off its merchandise.

Police ask anyone with information on the crime to contact them at 426-5841.