Surveillance video captured a woman allegedly stealing items from a small business in Cold Spring Harbor, including a handcrafted necklace made by a local artist.
Susan Calabria, owner of The Blue Whale on West Main Street, says the woman entered the vintage and coastal home decor shop last Tuesday and took two items.
Calabria says she did not realize anything was missing until she was closing the store that evening.
The surveillance video shows the woman taking a small item shortly after entering. She later browses the store before placing a necklace in her bag.
The necklace was handcrafted by local jeweler and artist Kate Sydney, who sells her work at The Blue Whale.
“It’s always really sad when something like this happens,” Sydney said.
Calabria estimates the total loss at about $400. She says it is the first time someone has stolen from her during the store’s 13 years in business.
Sydney says each piece she makes is handcrafted in her home studio using sterling silver, precious metals and gemstones, with each piece taking hours to complete.
Calabria says the loss goes beyond the dollar amount for a small business where every sale matters.
Suffolk County police say they are aware of the incident. No arrests have been made.
Calabria says people have privately contacted the store with information that is being looked into. She hopes the attention on the incident can help prevent similar thefts at other small businesses.
