Fairview Cleaners, Binghamton, NY

In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 13, 2004, a commercial burglary occurred on the east side of Binghamton, New York. At about 2:00 AM on that date, a member of the family which owns the Fairview Cleaners at 467 Court Street, was awakened by noises coming from inside the business, which had been closed for several hours. The family resides in an apartment on the second floor of the building, over the business. An indoor staircase directly connects the business with the living quarters.

The family member, a female, also heard two men talking downstairs inside the business, followed by the sound of someone starting up the staircase. She also noticed the light from a flashlight shining from the stairwell. The female alerted and awakened other members of the family. Binghamton Police were called as the family made it’s way down the stairs and into the business. The burglars, apparently startled by the presence of the owners, had fled the building prior to the family’s entrance into the business area. Responding Officers found the rear door wide open, the apparent exit point of the burglars.

The subsequent investigation revealed that entry to the business was gained by forcing open the rear door. Pry marks on and around the door indicate that this was the method used.

Taken in the burglary were numerous items of clothing, including suits, shirts and sweaters. The clothing all appears to be name brand, including "Tommy Hilfiger" and, "CK". It was all removed from racks in the front of the business. Additionally, two cases of laundry detergent packets that are sold in vending machines were removed from the business. These cases were later recovered in the rear parking lot, apparently abandon by the burglars.

Two cars were observed in the rear parking lot at the time of the burglary, one of them is possibly colored red.

Binghamton Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1000.00 for information which leads to the arrest and indictment of the individual(s) responsible for these crimes.