Homestead Burglarized Twice In Two Weeks

AMHERST, NH – Homestead Grocery & Deli has experienced two break-ins in the past two weeks, leaving the owners stunned and wondering what to do next.

According to co-owner Ralph Melchionda, the first burglary occurred late on Monday, July 23, with the burglar smashing through the glass door to the building and taking a full jar of donations. The money, which is estimated to be about $500, was supposed to be donated to SHARE, which provides assistance to locals in need.

The second burglary was much worse with an estimated $6,250 stolen from the store. This included money in the cash register, a pool of money for lottery tickets, and the lottery tickets themselves.

The store’s ATM was also smashed that night in what seems to have been an attempt to steal the money inside. The criminal was unable to take any money from the machine.

These break-ins have shaken owners Ralph and Janet Melchionda, who spend most of their time in the store along with their children who work there.

“It is unsettling,” he said. “We are worried about our safety because my family works here. It is tough, and there is no reason to believe it wouldn’t keep happening."

They are installing a new security system this week, since their last system was compromised during the second burglary. Melchionda said these incidents have made him fear the worst.

“I don’t want this to become a hold up someday,” he said. “That is the last thing I want to happen is something more serious than this.”

No arrests have been made as of yet, Amherst Police Chief Peter Lyon said this morning that his department is investigating some "real good" leads on suspects. Police are also looking into whether or not the two incidents are related.

The Melchionda's have a very close relationship to the surrounding community, with some already making plans to support the local business after these tragic events.

Kristin McCool of Amherst is organizing loyal customers and friends to host a “Cash Mob” at The Homestead Grocery & Deli (432 Boston Post Road, Amherst) on Thursday, Aug. 9 from 4-7 p.m. to support the store and show the owners how beloved they are to the community.

These cash mobs have participants commit to show up at a local business during a given time frame and commit to spend a certain amount of money there. The suggested amount of money for Thursday’s Homestead Cash Mob is $20.

McCool said she wants to drum up support for a business filled with “fantastic people” who have touched the lives of so many people.

“They have become an integral part of our small community- offering a place for Souhegan students to grab a quick lunch, a place for younger children to ride their bikes to get italian ices, and a place where everyone knows that they will be greeted warmly.”

The last thing she wants to see is the Melchionda’s closing a store that has meant so much to the local community.

“We need to show Ralph & Janet how important they are to Amherst and what they and the Homestead mean to all the Amherst residents who have come to rely on & enjoy their visits to their store.  It would not be the same without them.  So here is your opportunity to make a difference & hopefully show them that we need them to stay."

The Homestead Grocery & Deli was by the Amherst Patch readers.

Please show your support for the Melchionda family and pledge to join your neighbors in the Cash Mob on Thursday from 4-7 p.m.!