McGee’s Original Grill in Carman has suffered two break-ins this month, bringing the business’ total to four such crimes this calendar year.
Around 4 a.m. on Sept. 6, the restaurant’s patio window was smashed, as well as its display cooler. About 40 cans of beer and coolers were stolen.
The next week, on Sept. 17, at around 5 a.m., the front door window was smashed. Six bottles of alcohol, 10 cans of beer and $150 was stolen.
McGee’s Original Grill has suffered two break-ins so far in September in the early hours of Sept 6 and 17. The perpetrator as seen in the footage, smashed windows and stole money and alcohol
Surveillance footage appears to show the same suspect breaking into the store on both occasions. The RCMP are investigating, but no arrests have been made, owner Robynn Linde said.
“The value of the goods stolen is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of the damage,” she said. “I have cameras, an alarm system and a well-lit building, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough. Sure, I could put bars up, but I shouldn’t have to and simply cannot afford to. Who wants to sit in a restaurant that feels like a jail cell? I’ve worked so hard to renovate the building and make it my own. All I want to do is provide great food and service to the community, but these break-ins are a huge setback for a small business.”
Linde estimates she has suffered about $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses due to crime in the past year. In an effort to keep her insurance premiums down — which are currently around $2,500 — she has only claimed damages in one of the incidents.
Residents can support the restaurant by visiting and purchasing a meal.
