Burglar Steals Over $20,000 from Veteran-Owned Store

A local Apple Specialist store has had thousands of dollars in products stolen after a break-in early this morning.

Amherst Police are currently investigating a burglary at Brinestone in Amherst’s Lowes Plaza that occurred around 3:30 a.m. Initial estimates report over $20,000 in demo products, inventory and office equipment.

Owner Matt Bernard, a two Purple Heart veteran of Iraq, said that he received a call from one of his employees this morning that his store had been broken into. Smashed glass littered the storefront and computers, iPads and other Apple products were missing.

No customer units in repair were taken during the burglary.

His store is closed until further notice as he literally picks up the pieces of his business. One piece the burglar left behind was a veteran-owned sticker that had been placed on the window.

This was an important symbol to the owner that the burglar literally walked over as he broke into the store.

“As a human being, it makes you feel quite upset,” said Bernard. “At the same time very sad for the person who had to go this level. I am not sad for them, but sad that their action causes more than just a little bit of product being stolen. It affects the lives of me and my four employees. There are repercussions.”

Brinestone moved to its current location a little over a year ago, and the owner has never experienced a theft in his four years of business.

Bernard is hoping for any leads that can lead to a suspect as he gets back on his feet during this tough experience. He said he will let customers know when they will open again for business, and is looking forward to seeing dedicated customers return after such a tragedy.

Anyone with information related to this incident is being asked to contact the Amherst Police Department at 673-4900. You may also email the Detective Division directly at jcrocker@amherstnh.gov, pwebster@amherstnh.gov or sarnold@amherstnh.gov.