The string of break-ins in Drumheller continues, with RCMP, so far, unable to reign in any suspects.
Last week, The Drumheller Mail reported on three break-ins over the Remembrance Day weekend. On Friday, November 15, two more businesses were added to the victim’s list. Then, another on Monday, November 18.
Kimberly Moffat’s Family Hair Care, which shares space with The Healing Waye and Sereca’s Barber Shop, is the latest victim of a rash of break-ins plaguing Drumheller. A person or persons broke through the front door, which is now boarded up, and stole a computer and change. Drumheller RCMP are investigating five break-ins that have occurred over the past week and a half.
On Friday, at some point in the early hours of the morning or late the previous night, a person or persons broke into Angie’s Window Tinting and were then able to gain access to the adjacent Chop Shop. Roughly $100 in change, a Harley Davidson flag, small model motorcycles, a silver Sony digital camera, and several flash drives were taken from the two businesses. Other items were taken as well.
“They got some tips from one of the stylists, clippers, and other things from around the shop, like the candy machine and hair products. They took some stuff from Angie’s, too,” said Cathy Morse, owner of The Chop Shop.
On Monday, it was discovered another break-in had occured at Kimblery Moffat’s Family Hair Care, which shares space with The Healing Waye, and Sereca’s Barber Shop, sometime overnight.
“They took a log from the neighbours place and threw it through the front window. They stole a computer and a small amount of change,” said Drumheller RCMP Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
Over the past two weeks, five businesses have been broken into. So far, only small items and cash have been stolen.
“When it comes to break and enters, they’re all looking for money. It’s not even large amounts of money,” said Hopkins. “Many could be related, but they could be completely separate as well. There’s nothing to say either way. They know the businesses are closed and chances are they are empty. There’s generally money at a business, you just have to find it.
In addition to having items stolen, a break-in can result in more than just a few stolen goods.
“The cost can be more than just money. The inconvenience can be phenomenal. It’s not just the money, it’s the damage they can do while in the property,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins recommends businesses take a few precautions to help protect themselves.
“There’s a lot a business can do. They can install an alarm or cameras. They can leave lights on to give the impression someone is there. They can mark their property so it’s easily identifiable or put any valuable property away,” said Hopkins.
Morse is doing what she can to move on and protect her business.
“Take any precautions you can. We’re stepping up the lighting around here, but there’s only so much we can do,” said Morse.
