When Denise Tucker came into work on Monday, she found a giant boulder had been thrown through the front window of her store, smashing it, and came to rest about 35 feet away from the entrance.
She also found her 120-pound safe had been taken from her back office.
Tucker, owner of Barrie Olive Oil Co., is one of the latest victims of a slew of commercial break-and-enters that are happening in the city.
While Barrie police have said they’re dispatching more patrols to combat the issue, they also have put out recommendations how business owners can protect their livelihoods during these uncertain COVID-19 times.
“There was glass everywhere,” Tucker said in an interview with BarrieToday. “They didn’t do much other damage. They ransacked. You could tell it was really quick.”
The south-end location on Commerce Park Drive was hit sometime late Sunday night, early Monday morning. Tucker estimates the thieves made off with about $2,000 worth of items, including the cost to replace the glass door.
While she said the police took photographs and fingerprints, she’s not optimistic about getting her items back.
“It’s hard to catch these people,” she said. “People are desperate.”
Tucker said she felt an odd sense of relief when she drove up and saw her door smashed.
“I’d been thinking, ‘When is this going to happen?’ I’m relieved they didn’t do more damage," she said. "We have lots of food in glass and expensive vats of oil and vinegar they could have tipped over. They were just out for money.
“You feel let down. We have a location downtown, too, which is under construction, so that’s already been painful for us and our neighbours,” Tucker added.
Peter Leon, communications co-ordinator with Barrie police, says that in the past week, local officers have responded to about a dozen commercial break-ins, which he confirmed is considerably higher than normal.
On Monday morning alone, Leon said officers responded to three break-ins.
"There have been a number of commercial break-ins that have taken place since the non-essential legislation went into effect,” Leon said.
Leon said police had some concerns when the legislation was announced on March 24, as they knew businesses would be somewhat vulnerable due to their closures.
“A lot of these occurrences are quick, smash-and-grab type opportunities,” said Leon, adding that most of the incidents saw cash taken, and luckily not of substantial amounts.
“However, this is somebody’s livelihood,” he said. “It’s a shame there are people out there who are taking advantage of this.
“These are opportunistic individuals,” he added.
Leon says the break-and-enters are mostly happening in Barrie's south end.
When asked if police are attributing the uptick in these types of crimes to COVID-19 concerns, Leon said there is some connection.
“Certainly, there is a correlation to it, in the sense that people know these businesses are not attended. A lot of these businesses have invested in video surveillance, security equipment and alarm systems," he said. "They’re leaving some lights on so when police drive by at night they can see in.
"We’re aware of what’s happening and we are concerned by it," Leon added.
To combat the increase in break-and-enters, Barrie police have heightened the number of patrols they run to the most affected areas, Leon said. They also haven’t yet ruled out the possibility that some of the crimes may be connected.
“If these people think they’re going to get away with this... I’d start looking over my shoulder,” he said. “The Barrie police aren’t too far behind you.”
Meanwhile, Tucker says she refuses to let the break-in get her down, especially since she says she has seen a real resurgence in attitudes toward buying local in light of the pandemic, which she hopes will snowball.
“Even with competitive businesses, we’re seeing restaurants promoting other restaurants and retailers working together,” she said. “I really think there is good that comes out of all this. There has to be.”
Tips to help prevent commercial break and enters
- Remove all valuables from storefront displays;
- Log important serial numbers and/or take photos of valuable items. Ensure items are stored in a safe place when premise is vacant;
- Remove all cash from cash registers and leave it open with the cash tray out and visibly empty;
- Refrain from posting signs stating the premise will be vacant for a lengthy period of time;
- Ensure alarm systems are working and that all contact lists are up-to-date;
- Post on doors/windows that the premises are monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept onsite;
- Consider installing a surveillance/security system, which can be monitored remotely;
- Clean all windows and floors before leaving and note when you've done so (have a log) as this will help investigators should there be a break-in;
- Consider installing security film on your windows/glass to help prevent easy entry;
- Keep some lighting on inside to help with video surveillance. Consider adding timers to lighting;
- Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure;
- Ensure all exterior lighting is functioning and on - consider adding motion sensor lights;
- Install latch guards on doors to protect against prying including on secondary doors such as employee and loading entrances
Source: Barrie Police Service
