Cops: Items likely stolen from Aquebogue restaurant

Someone entered an Aquebogue restaurant early Tuesday morning, possibly stealing items from the store, local police said.

According to a Riverhead police news release, an alarm at Petulant Wino on Main Road went off about 4:40 a.m. Police arrived on scene to find an open window and “signs of a burglary,” according to the release.

Police could not confirm whether any items were stolen, though they believe some things were removed from the store.

Co-owner Tom Schaudel said it appeared someone got into the restaurant from a bar window. But the thief was apparently scared off by the burglar alarm, he said, and appears to have only stolen a cash register.

The register was empty at the time of the burglary.

“Now they have the cash register, with no money in it,” he said. “Congratulations.”

Petulant Wino — which serves American cuisine and earned a coveted “excellent” rating from a New York Times food critic — opened last year. They’ve been robbed once before, Mr. Schaudel said.

Detectives have asked anyone with information about the apparent burglary to contact police headquarters at (631) 727-4500.