Bay Shore restaurant vandalized twice in two days, Suffolk police say

A Bay Shore restaurant was broken into twice this week, with doors, windows and security cameras damaged and decorations stolen, Suffolk County police said.

The break-ins occurred on consecutive pre-dawn mornings at Whalers, located at 124 Maple Ave., at the head of the Maple Avenue Dock on Watchogue Creek. The first break-in occurred at about 3:30 a.m. Monday, and the second occurred at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Suffolk County police said.

Both incidents were reported Tuesday, police said.

Police said an individual damaged a security camera, as well as "multiple doors and windows," during the first break-in. The person also stole decorations from the restaurant before fleeing.

In the second break-in, police said two people entered the restaurant and damaged security cameras.

Police did not detail the dollar amount of the damage.

Police said Wednesday that the individuals have been identified but the restaurant owners were not sure if they would pursue charges.

Calls to the restaurant were not immediately returned Wednesday.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”