Suspect Arrested In

Gift Shop Theft

By Andrew Gorosko

Police have arrested a Branford man on burglary and larceny charges in connection with his alleged January predawn break-in at a local greeting card and gift shop, in which an estimated $10,000 worth of porcelain figurines were stolen.

On the morning of March 30, police charged Dennis Schoendorf, 36, on a warrant, lodging charges of first degree larceny and third degree burglary. Both charges are felonies.

Schoendorf allegedly smashed in the plate-glass door of Joy’s Hallmark at Sand Hill Plaza at 228 South Main Street about 6 am on January 10 and then entered the store, stealing approximately 70 Hummel-brand figurines, which are collector’s items.

Police were alerted of the crime by a sounding burglar alarm.

The German Hummel figurines are widely collected items. Some prized examples of the ceramic art are valued at thousands of dollars by collectors.

Police said they arrested Schoendorf at the Danbury Superior Court prisoner lockup, where he was being held in connection with other pending criminal charges.

After the January 10 break-in, police recovered the stolen figurines, many of which were damaged. The figurines’ recovery in North Haven occurred with the aid of North Haven police. North Haven police had come across the Hummels in a stolen car while they were investigating another crime.

Newtown police said Schoendorf had been driving that stolen car following the Hallmark break-in.

Schoendorf was arraigned in Danbury Superior Court on the burglary and larceny charges on March 30.

On March 31, Schoendorf was being held on $245,000 bail at Garner Correctional Institution on Nunnawauk Road on a various criminal charges.