Albany police investigate string of restaurant burglaries | Crime

ALBANY - For Paul Devane, it's the 4th time in 18 years his place Duffy's, on Clinton avenue in Albany, has been broken into.

"You feel violated by actions like this. It never leaves you," Davane said. "But they all feel the same."

Devane said this time around is the worst. The burglars took money, wrecked his jukebox and took money out of the wrecked jukebox.

"They took a bunch of whiskey and a 47 inch TV," he said.

The whiskey was the high-end stuff. And the thieves ripped the TV right out of the wall. Devane already bought a replacement.

Duffy's was one of 12 Albany businesses the criminals broke into. Police said Jack's Diner was targeted along with Capital Q and the list goes on. The Orchard Tavern, Lynn's Uptown Tavern, KFC, Gyro Station, Capital Thai, Pie Hole Pizzeria. Maple Leaf Market, Carosello's Bakery and New Look Coiffeur, were all hit between Friday and Tuesday.

Police said 9 of the 12 burglaries happened on early Tuesday morning in rapid succession, between 3am and 6am, something police said they've never seen before.

"It looks like a quick smash and grab, get in get out... Specifically what they were looking for is register," said Albany Police spokesman James Miller.

Police said the thieves used pretty much the same amo in all of the burglaries. At Duffy's, you can see the marks where they used a crowbar to pry open one the windows and someone would crawl inside where they went straight for the cash register

"Obviously there's a pattern there. More than likely this is the result of one individual or a couple of individuals. We're trying to identify them," Miller said.

The burglars left empty handed in some places. Police aren't sure exactly how much they got away with. Devane estimates that he lost about $6,000. He's not sure if he can keep it from happening again.

"We've had security for years. But there's nothing you can do to stop this... obviously," Devane said.

Police said businesses should be careful and not leave any cash in their register or safe overnight. It's also good practice to have surveillance equipment. That's what investigators are using right now to try to identify the suspects. They say anyone with more information about the burglaries should give Albany Police a call at 462-8039.