Multiple downtown businesses broken into, SJPD investigating
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Update: In response to the break-ins, SJPD is increasing overnight patrols in the Downtown area.
Police are investigating after several Downtown businesses were broken into overnight.
Nesting Goods, Alchemy Tea Co., Flying Pig Tattoo Parlor and Seventh Street Cafe were reportedly broken into overnight after 11 p.m.
The video footage obtained was able to help some businesses identify a potential suspect involved with the break-in.
The St. Joseph Police Department told News-Press NOW the break-ins are under investigation.
According to SJPD, several businesses have reported forced entry, with property damage and theft of merchandise and cash. Officers responded to multiple calls for service in the Downtown area and gathered evidence. On Monday, detectives were reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with potential witnesses.
Police encourage business owners and residents to report any suspicious activity seen near the 600 block of Felix and Edmond streets to 816-271-4701 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers 816-238-TIPP.
Business owners and residents are asked to check their security systems for any footage that may assist in the investigation.
In response to these incidents, the department is increasing overnight patrols in the Downtown area and encouraging businesses to take additional security precautions, including:
Ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked.
Keeping minimal cash on-site overnight.
Utilizing security cameras and alarm systems.
Local businesses said the break-in and theft came as a surprise.
“I’ve been in Downtown for ten years and we’ve never had a string of break-ins happen like this,” said Cris Coffman, owner at Nesting Goods.
Coffman said the break-in has caused a setback for all of the Downtown businesses broken into.
“Small businesses are already struggling in this economy and every single dollar counts for us right now,” she said. “To have something of this magnitude happen, it hurts.”
According to a neighboring business that fell victim to the break-in, Alchemy Tea Co., it feels like starting from scratch after the break-in, as insurance companies don’t cover this act.
“Insurance is not covering anything,” said Lacy Martin, owner of Alchemy Tea Co. “So, we lost all of our funds that was in our cash box and our cash register, merchandise that was taken and the cost of our door that was completely broken out.”
Local businesses already had a tough time keeping business afloat during the winter season and say the break-in sets them back even further.
“We have experienced high electricity bills and utilities due to the cold weather,” Martin said. “And we also haven’t been able to come in every day because of the extreme weather we’ve experienced.”
Local businesses said community members can show their support and help financially by shopping locally and continuing to bring more business downtown.
