After a series of twilight smash and grabs, a local entrepreneur says the loss incurred may be enough to hurt business right now, but it’s not enough to prevent the store’s forward momentum toward’s success.
In a time span marked by days, Carol Kuiper’s retail store, Broke Buckle Clothing Company, has had its front window smashed twice to gain access to display cases full of belt buckles and jewellery.
“My bars and security meant nothing,” said Kuiper, while sitting in her storefront. “They used something and pulled the case forward” each time to empty it of its contents. The only seller of Montana Silver Smith jewellery in town, which is “some of the nicest cowboy bling you’ll ever see,” Kuiper says the loss her store incurred as a result of these criminal acts now tallies above $5,000.
“They also took a pair of $300-plus boots, some housecoats, and dog food” in addition to the jewellery.
READ MORE: Eight antique rifles stolen from museum during weekend crime spree
Kuiper and her husband found Hope in 2017 when looking to relocate from Clearwater. “It’s extremely pretty here,” she explained, “and it’s close enough to the madness (of the big city) without being in it.”
And while she admits the recent acts of theft have left her feeling somewhat shaken, Kuiper says it hasn’t made her want to quit.
“I should be stocking my shelves with syrup and flip-flops,” but cash-flows are low after having to restock the stolen merchandise.
Because of insurance premiums and penalties, Kuiper is trying to avoid using insurance, and is instead covering the loss out of her own pocket. In early 2018, Broke Buckle was broken into and had $6,700 worth of merchandise stolen.
She’s also not the only business experiencing issues: Fields was also broken into last week, and near the end of March, three downtown businesses had their windows smashed in acts of vandalism, and the museum was robbed of eight antique rifles dating back to the 1800s.
Business “residents are uncomfortable about what’s going on is how I see it when walking around talking with people,” said Stephen Yeung, president of the Hope Chamber of Commerce.
READ MORE: New Hope clothing store loses $6,700 after early morning break-in
That’s why he says he explains, “crime prevention is like pest control in that it’s a long-term maintenance program designed to protect yourself. If we make it too hard (for criminals to succeed), they won’t come back: if it’s easy the first time, (that location) becomes an easy target for next time.
“I’m (also) hearing concerns about crime increasing in Hope, that there’s a trend in these activities, but overall people say they still feel safe about what they’re doing,” said Yeung from inside his McDonald’s franchise.
“People also need awareness on how to protect themselves (in residential neighbourhoods), too,” Yeung added. “Lock up all your stuff and leave your car empty. All these little things matter.
“And phone the RCMP always. If people report it, enough incidents in one locationand the police may look into it.” Big or small, Yeung emphasizes a crime is a crime and they should all be reported.
If you witnessed a crime, or believe you may have information that can assist police in the above investigations, or any others, local RCMP urge you to call (604)869-7750
