Downtown enterprise house owners miffed after axe-wielding suspects steal useful furs

Three companies in downtown St. John’s suffered fur-related smash and grabs within the early hours of Thursday, with tens of 1000’s of {dollars}’ value of merchandise stolen.

Andersons, a brand new butcher store on Water Avenue, had its entrance window smashed and a bear rug was stolen. At all times in Vogue was damaged into round 4 a.m., with a wide range of sealskin gadgets stolen.

Simply down the street, Pure Boutique had its door smashed at 7:06 a.m., and sealskin jackets and purses value about $25,000 had been stolen there, based on the proprietor.

“It was broad daylight,” mentioned proprietor Jen Shears. “There have been individuals throughout the street clearing snow on the courthouse, of all locations…. We’re at a loss as to how that would have occurred.”

All three companies posted safety digital camera footage from their outlets. What seems to be the identical individual could be seen in all three. Photographs shared by Andersons and At all times in Vogue present two individuals.

The suspects may very well be seen with a big crimson axe on safety cameras from Andersons. Shears mentioned what seems to be the identical axe was left inside her retailer after their break-in.

Thefts have been a significant nuisance recently, with Shears saying she feels “like a damaged file” when posting safety digital camera footage of individuals stealing from the shop.

She’s imploring town and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to step up safety and patrols downtown. Shears mentioned her prospects cannot go a minute over their parking restrict with out getting a ticket, however in relation to thefts, she feels left to unravel it herself by means of social media.

“Your employees, they’re like sitting geese down there,” she mentioned. “The nervousness on our group over the previous couple of months, I am going to say, is thru the roof.”

Shears does not know the place the gadgets are being bought, however figures there must be a market in the event that they maintain getting stolen. She’s urging anybody shopping for fur merchandise from secondhand sources to ask to see receipts.

“If we are able to dry up the marketplace for this stuff then hopefully individuals shall be much less more likely to steal them,” she mentioned.

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