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.
