Just a month and a bit shy of its first anniversary, Sneakers Plus is forced to get a new look – thanks to those who drove into the storefront.
Around 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, an unknown person or persons drove a vehicle into the front of Sneakers Plus at the Stettler Mall, gaining access through the damaged storefront.
The thieves made off with more than $3,000 in goods and conservative estimates at repairs to the storefront begin at around $10,000. Some of the brands that were made off with include Crooks & Castles, Ecko, Matix and Famous, though other merchandise was either destroyed or damaged in the smash’n’grab.
For owner Cindy Campbell, the theft is another blow to her local startup. This is not the first time Campbell’s business has been targetted, though the previous time, the alleged thief was caught looking directly at the surveillance camera.
The store has not been open quite a year yet, with its anniversary in early November. While insurance will cover the merchandise loss, and mall insurance the building repairs, it’s time and energy Campbell said she would rather be putting into other goals.
“It’s just frustrating,” she said. “You have certain goals for yourself and your business, and it just sets you back.”
Despite the boarded up windows, Campbell said the store is still open. The mall has installed a new door, and work is underway to have the new windows in as soon as possible.
Sgt. Phil Penny, commander of the Stettler RCMP detachment, said the investigation into the brazen break and enter continues.
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