Palm-Loving Thugs Swipe Grove from Pool Zone

GREEN CREEK — Stolen: Tropical paradise, including palm trees and tiki totem pole, Estimated value: Over $4,000.
Proof that thieves will steal anything came April 21 at 8:53 a.m. from the Pool Zone Store, 380 State Highway 47.
That’s when Middle Township police responded to a reported burglary and theft incident that occurred at the store.
Upon officers’ arrival, it was learned that the store closed on April 20 at noon. Staff members found items missing and damaged when they reopened for business the next morning.
Investigation thus far has found that on April 20 at about 11:30 p.m., several subjects entered the property. That was captured on one of the store’s exterior surveillance cameras.
The suspects apparently parked their vehicle north of the store off the side of Route 47. Investigators located evidence at that scene, which is being processed at this time, according to police.
Suspects removed several items from the front and side exterior portions of the store. Items taken included:
• One, 8-foot custom carved wooden multi-colored Tiki,
• One, 19-foot plastic green and brown palm tree.
• One, 11-foot palm tree
• One 9-foot palm tree.
• Wooden custom-made Tiki bench and one, two-palm tree hammock. That is a structure with two palm trees side by side connected by a hammock.
The suspects also damaged two security lights and two security cameras.
The Pool Zone suffered a similar theft approximately two weeks ago when a large wooden Tiki was stolen from its property.
Investigators are reviewing the video from security cameras and are processing evidence recovered from the scene.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Middle Township Police Department at 609-465-8700 or the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, (866) 465-2800.
The case is being investigated by Patrolman Richard Sittineri and Detective Allan McClure.