PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A string of burglaries across Portland have left small business owners nervous.
Thieves smashed windows and doors overnight Thursday, making off with whatever they could grab.
Four businesses were hit on a busy stretch of Hawthorn Blvd. Police say windows were broken out of Chez Machin, The Maple Parlor, Rice Junkies and Toadstool Cupcakes, all of which are in the 3500 block of SE Hawthorne.
Some small items were stolen from the shops, but it was enough to set the small businesses back a ways, some even had to close for the day.
Rice Junkies manager Eli Sullivan said the cost of fixing the window is about $1,000 but that was the only damage, and isn’t enough to file a claim on their insurance.
“They threw a brick through our front window, came in here, took our cash drawer,” Matt Johnson at Chez Machin said. “It sets us back a couple weeks worth of business.”
Security camera video provided by the owner of Toadstool Cupcakes shows the front door being smashed and 5 people enter the store. The thieves went behind the counter and took several items. They were in the store for just about 2 minutes.
On Friday morning, Blue Star Donuts on Mississippi Avenue said they, too, had a window broken at one of their stores. The Little Big Burger next door was also broken into.
Blue Star had to close for the day because the thief took the iPad they use as a register. Assistant General Manager Curtis Brandsmith said customers missed out on a brand new donut.
“We did actually release a new donut today,” Brandsmith said. “Maybe they got so excited they had to break in before we actually opened.”
There weren’t actually any donuts in the store yet, but in addition to the iPad, the burglar got away with an iPod and some cash.
Police say it’s unclear if the 6 thefts are connected but business owners have a message for whoever is responsible:
“It’s going to catch up with you,” Johnson said. “You’re going to get caught and it’s something you’re going to have to wear as a burden for the rest of your life.”