Mattituck florist asks for accountability, not charges, after driftwood goes missing
Danielle LaScala, owner of Mattituck Florist, says the incident happened on Sunday, July 12, outside the shop where customers can purchase items even when the store is closed using an honor-system cash box.
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A Mattituck business owner is asking for accountability instead of legal action after surveillance video appeared to capture someone taking a decorative piece of driftwood without paying.
Danielle LaScala, owner of Mattituck Florist, says the incident happened on Sunday, July 12, outside the shop where customers can purchase items even when the store is closed using an honor-system cash box.
Security footage shows a customer picking up a piece of driftwood for sale before later walking away with it.
According to LaScala, two other people can be seen nearby, and she believes one person appeared to hand cash to another, who then counted the money but never placed it into the payment box.
LaScala says the driftwood was priced at $100. The florist says this isn't the first time items have disappeared from the shop's outdoor displays, but she has continued to operate on the trust that customers will do the right thing.
"In the past, things have gone missing. We keep things outside. But the North Fork is on an honor system and we trust people, but sometimes things like this happen," LaScala said.
The incident has disappointed members of the Mattituck community, many of whom say the honor system reflects the area's close-knit character.
"That is really cruel and sad. I'm really sorry to hear that," said Mattituck resident Emily Tuthill. "What if that were your shop? You wouldn't want someone to take from it."
