Newsday.com

Owner: Fur store target of 'economic terrorist'

BY MICHAEL FRAZIER

michael.frazier@newsday.com
December 20, 2007

The brick with a threatening note attached that crashed through the window of Strathmore Furs in West Hempstead was hurled by an "economic terrorist" trying to scare off a legitimate retailer, the owner of the business said yesterday.

"This is a threat. It's more than vandalism and it has to be taken seriously," said Thomas, the business owner who asked that his last name not be used so he wouldn't be targeted at his home.

Nassau's Fifth Squad is investigating the crime that occurred 11:52 p.m. Tuesday at the business at 433 Hempstead Ave.

No arrests have been made and police have no suspects.

The boutique's broken front-door glass was replaced yesterday morning.

Police and Thomas said the store was targeted before. In January 2001, someone shattered the front window twice, said Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone, a Nassau police spokesman.

Years ago, Thomas said, he received threatening phone calls from anonymous people demanding he stopped selling fur.

"They are trying to advance their cause by attacking law-abiding citizens," the furrier said.

He added that the store is a safe place to shop, pointing out that the attacks occurred outside of business hours.

Tuesday, Thomas was in the rear of the store "preparing for the Christmas crowd when I heard a loud boom."

He ran up to the front and noticed the shattered glass, but didn't see anyone. He called police, then saw the brick with a note secured with wrapped plastic.

The note warned the "store owner to close down his business because he profits off the suffering of animals," police said.

It was unclear whether any animal-rights activist groups were involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS.

Newsday.com

Cops: Attack on fur store was pro-animal

BY JOSEPH MALLIA

joseph.mallia@newsday.com

7:43 AM EST, December 19, 2007

A brick was tossed through the front glass door of a West Hempstead fur shop late Tuesday night with a note attached warning the owner to stop profiting from the suffering of animals, the Nassau police said.

The note, taped to the brick, told the store owner to close down his business, the police said.

The shattered glass door was reported at 11:52 p.m. Tuesday, at Strathmore Furs, 433 Hempstead Ave.

Fifth Squad detectives ask anyone with information on this criminal mischief to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.