Thieves steal from East Hampton bell factory destroyed by fire

East Hampton Police are reporting that thieves have added to the tragedy of the Bevin family, whose members and employees witnessed a ferocious blaze that destroyed a 200-year-old bell factory, the last of its kind in the United States.

The fire – which investigators are now saying may have been sparked by lightening on the evening of May 27 – drew firefighters from 30 companies

Police say today they are investigating the theft of approximately 1,500 pounds of formed, trimmed hand bells from the site of the Bevin Bell Company.

The bells are made of brass. “They are all blackened and gray from fire damage,” according to police.

Police say the theft occurred during the overnight of May 28-29, 2012.

Anyone with information or inquiries is asked to call East Hampton Police at 860-267-9922.

Posted May 30, 2012

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