Businesses looking to stay afloat after multiple break-ins
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Despite a recent string of break-ins, Downtown businesses are keeping their doors open and ready to welcome customers as police continue to investigate.
Four businesses fell victim to theft on Sunday, but owners said they are hopeful the community will continue showing support after the break-ins had a significant impact on some. Two of the businesses, Nesting Goods, 615 Felix St., and Alchemy Tea Co., 617 Felix St., won’t have damages covered by insurance.
News-Press NOW caught up with staff at Seventh Street Cafe, 114 N. Seventh St. on their first day back in business after the break-ins. Owner Brennon Calvin said despite how shocking the news of the crime was for all businesses Downtown, they’re still working to bring service to customers.
“Luckily, we have a second entrance that they didn’t try to break into so we’re still here, still grinding along,” Calvin said.
Seventh Street Cafe was fortunate to not be as impacted as its neighbors, but the suspect did cause significant damage to one of its doors.
“We have the damage to the door and the glass which is supposed to be getting repaired in the next day or two,” Calvin said. “Initially, I thought that perhaps I’d be coming into a completely empty store, but thankfully, with the laminated glass they couldn’t get in or they got spooked at some point.”
Flying Pig Tattoo Parlor, 611 Edmond St., is another business impacted by the break-ins. Although not impacted as harshly as the other businesses, the owner said he would still like to see justice served after the suspect damaged multiple businesses.
“I was lucky to walk in and see it was just a little bit of glass and some of our tip money out of our little candy exchange,” said Collin Easter, Flying Pig Tattoo owner. “But I’m sure all of us, including me, would really be happy that they got this suspect for sure.”
St. Joseph police haven’t provided any new details about the break-ins but officials said they are investigating thoroughly. In light of the situation, officials shared tips for local businesses on how they can try and avoid similar incidents.
“Make sure you have good exterior lighting outside of your business,” said Sgt. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph Police Department. “A lot of times that will ward off people from targeting certain buildings, having systems like that or motion-activated cameras.”
As Downtown businesses work to recover, they said the best way community members can help is by shopping locally.
“Support local and come Downtown,” Calvin said. “It’s hard enough in the lean winter months to turn a profit and keep the doors open, and situations like this just hurts us even more.”
