By Kevin Coughlin
Morristown police are investigating what appears to be a smash-and-grab burglary in broad daylight at the South & Pine restaurant on Thursday morning.
Shattered glass from the front door littered the entrance to the South Street eatery, where someone apparently fled with money that had been proudly displayed on a frame near the front counter, according to restaurant employees.
The frame was found outside, minus the currency — bills paid by the restaurant’s first customers a few months ago, they said.
Edwin Murichu, a dishwasher, said he came to work at 9:45 am and discovered the shattered glass door. A delivery person told him the door had been fine as of 9 am, he said.
The restaurant is nestled between the Mayo Performing Arts Center and the former Brick Oven restaurant, at the corner of South and Pine streets, a busy downtown intersection about a block from the historic Morristown Green.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Det. Sgt. Chris Oakley at 973-292-6737. Anonymous tips also can be provided through Morris County CrimeStoppers, at www.copcall.org or 973-COP-CALL.
Thursday was only Murichu’s second day on the job. Asked how he liked it so far, he paused for an instant.
“Yesterday was good,” he said.
