OPP say that: “the thief or thieves used their vehicle to gain access to the building. It’s described as a dark-coloured pickup truck with a light bar”
Volunteers and staff are reeling after the Monday Coe Hill thrift store break in.
A truck repeatedly rammed into the corner of the building, creating enough of an opening to lift a safe at about 1:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The store had only just re-opened after completing repairs from a break in that occurred on April 19th.
The thrift store is part of the Community Care not-for-profit, which offers services to seniors and adults living with a disability, giving them support systems that help them live independently.
Executive Director Jennifer Kauffeldt said that thieves had been unsuccessful at stealing the safe at the April 19 break in.
“They kicked both doors in and kicked them off their frames “said Kauffeldt, continuing, “They just couldn’t get the safe. We have a safe there but there’s no money in it. So, they left with no money but they did damage and they tore all the cupboard doors off and just wrecked the place. So we just just finished the repairs and opened on May 1.”
Kauffeldt shared what they know about the most recent break-in from security camera footage,
“Last night about 1:30 a.m. a truck backed in about three times to ram the corner. It took out the hydro panel and our service. The safe which had maybe about $100 in it. They would probably get more in the scrap metal for the safe than they would get out of it. It’s a combination safe, so they’re not going to get into it either.”
Store manager Connie Ingram said that thieves had been trying to figure out the safe during the first break-in.
“Two weeks ago when they broke in, they drilled a hole in front of the safe into the floor and I’m assuming that it was to see how the safe was attached, because the bolts are on the inside of the safe”
Ingram and Kauffeldrt both agreed that the volunteers at the thrift store were now struggling to feel secure.
“It’s such a violation to the community” said Kauffeldt, “It feels personal and I feel bad for our volunteers because they’re afraid.”
We spoke with one of the volunteers, Diane, who said she worries the store will not be able to recover after the second break-in.
My Bancroft Now visited the site of the break in where team members from Earle Excavating were working to seal up and secure the building.
The full scope of the repairs needed is not yet known.
Anyone with information regarding the break-in and theft in Coe Hill should contact the Bancroft OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.