A THRIFT store that supports survivors of domestic violence was forced to shut down temporarily after thousands of dollars worth of technology and goods were stolen.
Retail Therapy KW Thrift & Consign had to shutter its doors this week after being targeted in a massive retail theft crime early Tuesday morning.
4
4
4
4
Three days later, the store – located in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada approximately 1.5 hours west of Toronto – was still cleaning up after the break-in.
Amanda Kroetsch, the founder and executive director of the third store, told CTV News that thousands of dollars worth of items were stolen.
“Stuff was missing. Our iPad was missing. All of the stuff we used to take sales, our safe. A lot of things of value had been taken,” Kroetsch said.
Kroetsch estimated that the electronics and cash combined added up to around $5,000 stolen.
Read More on Retail Crime
While security footage shows an individual breaking into the store at around 5:50 a.m. on Tuesday, Kroetsch revealed that it was hard to tell who the suspect was.
“[Wearing] all black. Very hard to see anything,” Kroestch said.
“And with a backpack, kind of popping up and down in our aisles at the store here, shoving stuff in a backpack.”
The store supports many different survivors of domestic violence every month, by allowing the individuals to shop at no cost.
However, due to the break-in, they were unable to welcome anyone into the store, as they were unable to process any sales.
“We can’t support local survivors of domestic violence right now, and we normally do one or two shops a week to support people,” Kroetsch told the outlet.
“So that’s really the worst part of it,” Kroetsch.
Alicia Flynn, a volunteer at Retail Therapy KW Thrift & Consign, told CTV News it was “sad” the store had to close its doors.
“It’s sad that it had to be closed when so many people could have been helped.”
The store reopened Saturday, after receiving replacement electronics.
However, Kroetsch said they are still unsure of what exactly was taken.
We can’t support local survivors of domestic violence right now, and we normally do one or two shops a week to support people.
Amanda Kroetsch
The store founder explained that the staff does not take an inventory of every single item that is received.
In fact, the store reportedly has a sign on its front door asking individuals not to steal and instead urges those in need to ask any worker for what they are looking for.
Moving forward, Kroetsch said the thrift store plans on increasing its security measures, similarly to other major U.S. businesses that have been targeted by rampant retail theft across the country.
“We had them come in, just completely overhaul everything, reteach us how to use everything,” Kroetsch said.
“We now have panic buttons as well, even though we weren’t here when this theft happened.
“Everybody’s kind of spooked, of course.”
Kroetsch told The U.S. Sun that as of Saturday, they know two or more people broke into their store and other units in their building.
“We are struggling to operate and will continue to try to raise funds via our social media platforms and word of mouth,” Kroetsch said.
Kroetsch revealed they are struggling to replacing the remaining electronics, such as an iPad.
“We are now behind on our rent and other expenses needed to operate,” Kroetsch said, later calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
“We will do our best to resume our [domestic violence] survivor services this coming week but if sales do not pick up or we raise funds to cover our losses we may not be able to continue to operate.”
Kroetsch went on to claim that as a registered non-profit, the store is awaiting charitable status to be approved by the Canadian Revenue Agency,
“Without the approval we cannot give tax receipts for financial donations. We are fully eligible and have donors ready to donate as soon as it is approved,” Kroetsch said.
“We may lose our entire operation due to the CRA delay and the robbery. It is heartbreaking.”
Waterloo regional police are reportedly investigating the incident.
Retail Therapy KW Thrift & Consign did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines