Police investigate theft of bells from fire site
EAST HAMPTON, Conn. (AP) — Police are investigating the theft of about 4,500 bells salvaged from the remains of a fire that destroyed the Bevin Brothers bell factory in East Hampton.
Factory owner Matt Bevin says he believes the 1,500 pounds of brass bells were taken to be sold as scrap. Police say it appears someone cut a hole in a fence Sunday and knew what they were looking for.
Bevin says the missing bells were manufactured for the Salvation Army to ring at donation kettles during the holiday season.
Authorities believe a lightning strike started Saturday's fire that destroyed the factory, which dates to the early 19th century.
The company is the last of a once-thriving industry that earned East Hampton the nickname, "Belltown, USA."
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