Swampscott police search for robbery suspect

SWAMPSCOTT – Two businesses in the Fisherman’s Crossing commercial plaza at 444 Humphrey St. were broken into early Tuesday morning and police are appealing to the public for their help in identifying the suspect.Detective Tim Cassidy said if anyone recognizes the individual or vehicle in the surveillance video they should call detectives immediately at 781-595-1111.Cassidy said a silent alarm sounded at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, which alerted police to the breaks at White Hen Pantry and Maria’s Tailor Shop.”An unknown male dressed all in black wearing a black ski mask and black gloves gained entrance by smashing the front door windows to both businesses,” Cassidy said.Cassidy said it is possible that the break was the work of more than one individual and an undetermined amount of cash was taken from both businesses.According to police, a similar break occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday in Salem.In late October, Gourmet Garden, 430 Paradise Road, was broken into. Cassidy said the perpetrators cut the telephone lines leading to the establishment at the telephone pole so the burglar alarm did not go off. The thieves also forced in a grate on the rear door and stole a safe.No arrests have been made in that case yet and Cassidy said it is too soon to determine if the breaks are connected.To view surveillance video of the break-in visit www.itemlive.com