UPDATE: An alarming break-in attempt at the Ten Lives Club, a dedicated cat rescue in Hamburg, NY, was caught on surveillance camera early Saturday morning, prompting urgent calls for community assistance.
Marie Edwards, the founder and executive director of the rescue, received a chilling notification from her Blink Camera app while she was out of town. “I was appalled,” Edwards said, recalling the terrifying moment when she saw a group of four individuals, some wearing masks and hoods, approaching the property.
The footage shows the group allegedly attempting to enter the Ten Lives Club, as well as the neighboring vacant building. Edwards revealed that they are currently negotiating to acquire that property to expand their services and support more cats in need. “We don’t need any damage or anything broken or our animals hurt,” she emphasized.
Fortunately, the individuals were unsuccessful in entering the buildings. However, they managed to destroy two surveillance cameras in their attempt to conceal their identities. “They reached up to one of the cameras and tried to take it down,” Edwards explained. “They got some footage of their faces, so hopefully the police can work with that.”
“The fact that someone would try and break in and possibly jeopardize the well-being of our cats is just disappointing and heartbreaking,”
said Kelly Sinclair, the rescue’s community development manager. The incident has understandably left staff members shaken and distressed.
In response to this distressing event, the Ten Lives Club is enhancing security measures. Edwards confirmed that they are boarding up all the windows and adding a powerful stadium light to deter future incidents. “We’re going to be extra vigilant here at our building,” she stated, urging staff to ensure everything is secure before leaving.
The rescue is also seeking donations for an upgraded camera system to bolster their security further. Community members who wish to contribute can do so through their official channels.
If you have any information regarding this incident or can identify the individuals in the surveillance footage, please contact the Hamburg Police Department at 716-364-2035. This urgent situation underscores the necessity for community support in protecting the well-being of vulnerable animals.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ten Lives Club remains committed to ensuring the safety of their animals and will keep the community updated on any developments.
