Note: Breaking news…this story will be updated
Three Beamsville business break-ins, at two restaurants and a pet store, kept Niagara police officers busy Monday. However, it’s unclear yet if there is a connection between the three crimes.
Police are trying to discern if the crimes are related. “The detectives will certainly be looking at that based on when they were discovered and how entry was gained,” said Niagara Regional Police service spokesperson Const. Philip Gavin.
Police were called to the Root 8 Vegan and Gluten-free restaurant Monday after the owners discovered that a bandit had broken into the restaurant, which is located in the strip mall at 5041 King St, Beamsville. Police said entry to the restaurant was gained through the front door and property worth $200 had been stolen. The break-in is believed to have occurred over the weekend, sometime between Labour Day Monday and the Friday before. Damage is estimated at $1000.
The Root 8 Instagram account (@root8vegan) said the restaurant is now closed while repairs are being conducted.
“It is very unfortunate that we will be closed the next few days to repair the restaurant due to someone breaking in. If anyone has any information on this or saw anything out of sorts please let me know.
We will be returning shortly and I will post here what day we will re-open. Thank you for understanding,” said the post.
While officers were on-scene at Root 8, they noticed Gigi’s pizza shop, located a few doors down in the same mall was missing glass panes on the business’ exterior doors. Further investigation revealed $100 of the property was stolen. Damage is estimated at $500. It’s believed that the break-in occurred during the previous night.
Two blocks away at the Beamsville Town Centre strip mall, Paulmac’s Pets also suffered a break-in early Monday morning at around 4:25 a.m. (See related story).
The front window glass was smashed. Damage is reported at $1000. There was also $1000 of property lost in the theft. An employee answering a call at the pet store Wednesday referred questions from Niagara Info to the store’s owner. However, the owner has not yet returned the call.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111. Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara. To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.niagaratips.com