Illegal drinking spot irks Shelburne break-in victim

By Greg Bennett

The Coast Guard

NovaNewsNow.com

A “secret” outdoor drinking spot within the Town of the Shelburne is drawing the ire of at least one resident.

Everett Belong blames illegal underage drinking at a spot of land between King Elliot and John Streets for a recent break and enter into his home that saw his wife’s wedding ring and other items stolen on Friday afternoon, May 9.

Belong’s home, a few hundred metres from the site of the illegal activity, was targeted by thieves who first tried to pry open a bathroom window and then were able to break into a back patio door.

A few cans of beer, about $50 in cash, an I-pod and the gold ring were taken within a matter of minutes by thieves who left muddy footprints throughout the house.

RCMP were called in as soon as the break was discovered and police were quickly able to recover the gold ring, near empty beer cans at the outdoor site.

“They just missed them (the thieves),” a frustrated Belong said.

Shelburne Deputy Mayor Tony Mahaney said the area has been a problem for more than a year and noted that the town was considering having brush and trees cut down through a Right of Way located at the site.

“That way the Mounties would be able to look in and see what was going on,” he said.

That’s little comfort for Belong, who believes the police should be more actively disrupting any illegal drinking activities in the area.

Belong, who is also looking at a $1,500 repair bill for the window and door of his house, is now considering the purchase of a security alarm system.