Crime

Police: Thief punched through drywall to rob a string of neighboring businesses

A masked intruder allegedly stole cash from three Westborough businesses last Saturday.

October 19, 2024

1 minute to read

Police are asking the public’s help identifying a suspect they say robbed three Westborough businesses in one night — even going so far as to punch through drywall to enter one of the establishments.

Westborough police said the string of robberies happened on Oct. 12 and started just before 10 p.m. when a masked male suspect entered the Sun Catcher Tanning Spa on Milk Street in West Meadow Plaza.

Investigators say the suspect entered through the rear of the building. Security footage shows him allegedly removing the cash drawer, moving it to a side room, and taking the cash from the drawer, according to officials.

From there, investigators say the suspect allegedly entered the Spices Punjabi Dhaba restaurant, located next to the tanning salon. Police say he also entered through that building’s rear door, then walked to the front counter and took cash.

Investigators say the suspect then entered the restaurant’s men’s bathroom, where he punched through the drywall to access JP’s Pub and Restaurant next door.

“After crawling through the hole, the suspect located the cash box in the office. JP’s Pub operates on a cash/check-only basis, and the suspect left all checks and change, taking only the cash,” police said in a statement on Facebook.

Westborough police shared video surveillance images of the suspect in a plea for information. During the robberies, the suspect wore a green hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored sweatpants, sneakers, and a ski mask with cut-out eye and mouth holes. Police say was also wearing latex-coated work gloves.

Westborough Police detectives are working with neighboring towns that have experienced similar incidents. Anyone with information can contact Detective Sgt. McRae at [email protected] or call 508-475-4844.