Arrests Made in First Smoke Shop Break In

Earlier this week, both Boston 25 and NBC 10 reported on break-ins at Moonlight Smoke Shop at 447 East Central Street,  both on Sunday, one in February and the second on March 10.

A gang of four thieves could be seen on security cameras using a metal bar to break in and, once inside, stole an estimated 50 vape or vaporizer devices. A similar haul was taken in an earlier, nearly identical break-in, also on a Sunday, back in February. This time, security footage also showed the individuals escaping in a blue van.

The business owner, Hardik Patel, told the news media, each incident had cost about $6,000 between lost products and the cost of repairs. Now, he says, he is not sure he will be able to stay in business.

Thursday, NBC 10 reported that three arrests had been made in connection with the Feb. 4 burglary. Franklin police told NBC 10 that three youths were charged for the Feb. 4 break-in. The March break-in is still under investigation.

Franklin Deputy Chief James West confirmed the arrests to Observer, and stated, "The March 10th break in is still under investigation by our Detective Unit. Due to the subjects being juveniles and the case still being active and open, we cannot release anything else at this time."