Criminals Try To Break Into Local Animal Rescue Shelter In Western New York

If you were to take a look at statistics for crime in the local area, it would show that places all over Western New York has been seeing record decreases in all types of crime. From violent crime to property crime, statistically speaking now is among one of the safest times in history.

However, if may not feel that way since we're seeing a lot of nuisance and property crimes seeming to happen now everyday and we see it on social media.

That exact thing happened in the early morning hours in Hamburg on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when a group of individuals tried to break into an animal adoption and rescue group on Lake Shore Road.

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The Ten Lives Club, a cat rescue and adoption operation in Blasdell, had what appears to be a group of teenagers or early 20-year-olds try to break into the rescue over the weekend. The whole incident was captured on security cameras at the rescue and it's left the entire team who run it shaken.

According to WIVB-TV, who spoke with the founder and Executive Director of Ten Lives Club, Marie Edwards, the camera app on the directors phone started buzzing and she saw a group of people wearing hoods and masks trying to get inside of their building.

The fact that someone, or multiple people, would try and break in and possibly jeopardize the well-being of our cats is just disappointing, heartbreaking, and we’re pretty angry, to be honest.
-Kelly Sinclair, Community Development Manager of Ten Lives Club, speaking to WIVB

The footage has been turned over to the local police, who are investigating, and staff at the rescue are looking to increase their security measures to make things safer in the future.

One of the things on the list for the rescue is an upgraded camera and security system. If you want to help them out, you can find more information and donation details on the Ten Lives Club website.