URGENT UPDATE: A local animal rescue in Hamburg, NY is reeling after an alleged break-in attempt was caught on camera early Saturday morning. Ten Lives Club, a dedicated cat rescue and adoption group, has turned to the community for assistance following this alarming incident.
Marie Edwards, the founder and executive director of Ten Lives Club, received a shocking alert from her Blink Camera application while out of town. “I was appalled,” Edwards stated. “It was very scary to see the camera and the people, who I believe are in their late teens or early twenties, walking toward our property.”
Surveillance footage reveals a group of four individuals, some wearing masks and hoods, attempting to enter the rescue’s building. They also allegedly targeted a neighboring, vacant property that Ten Lives Club hopes to purchase to expand their services. “We’re in negotiations to purchase it right now,” Edwards explained. “We don’t need any damage or anything broken or our animals hurt.”
Fortunately, the break-in was unsuccessful, but the intruders did manage to destroy two surveillance cameras after realizing they were being recorded. “They reached up to one of the cameras and tried to take it down,” Edwards added. “They got some footage of their faces, so hopefully the police can work with that.”
The incident has left staff members shaken and upset. Kelly Sinclair, the rescue’s community development manager, expressed her disappointment, stating, “The fact that someone would try to break in and possibly jeopardize the well-being of our cats is just heartbreaking.”
In response, Ten Lives Club is ramping up security measures around the building. Edwards confirmed, “We have someone putting up boards on all of the windows. We’re going to be extra vigilant here at our building.” The team has also installed a stadium light to enhance visibility during the night.
To further protect their premises, Ten Lives Club is seeking donations for an upgraded camera system. If you wish to contribute, you can do so through their website.
Officials urge anyone with information about this incident or who may recognize the individuals in the surveillance video to contact the Hamburg Police Department at 716-364-2035. The community’s support is crucial in ensuring the safety of both the rescue’s staff and the cats they care for.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the investigation continues.
