Thieves Strike Waterloo Store Again: Third Break-In in 3 Months

URGENT UPDATE: For the third time in just three months, a store in Waterloo’s university district has fallen victim to thieves. Waterloo Regional Police are currently investigating a break-in that took place at Oka Sushi located at 251 Hemlock Street. The incident was reported around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, following a night of vandalism where the glass front door was shattered.

Details remain scarce regarding the stolen items, but the alarming frequency of these break-ins has left local business owner Subhan Ali shaken. His store, Waterloo Cell Phones & Electronics, also faced an attempted break-in earlier today. “Three guys, around 4:30 or 5:50 a.m., tried to get in,” Ali reported. Fortunately, they were unsuccessful in accessing the store.

This latest incident marks a troubling trend for the area. Ali expressed frustration over what feels like a relentless cycle of crime. “It’s the third time in the last three months,” he lamented. The previous break-in on June 3 saw armed thieves force their way into his business, causing extensive damage and stealing valuable merchandise. “Last time, they took all the phones,” he stated, emphasizing the ongoing struggle with insurance, having yet to receive any compensation for his losses.

The financial impact is severe. Ali revealed he has had to secure a loan just to maintain inventory and keep his business afloat. The recent break-ins have also cost him valuable customer interactions; his store was closed for 15 days following the last incident, further straining his resources.

“I want to feel safe,” Ali stressed, highlighting the emotional toll this situation has taken on his family-run business. With the police investigation ongoing, he expressed doubt about any arrests being made. “I know police are trying to do their best, but we have no hope now,” he said.

Ali is now weighing the difficult decision of whether to keep his store open. “If I have to deal with this every month, I better just shut the business down,” he revealed, illustrating the dire reality many small business owners face in the wake of repeated thefts.

As Waterloo Regional Police continue their investigation into these troubling incidents, community members are left wondering what safety measures can be implemented to protect local businesses from future break-ins. For now, Ali and others in the area are left on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and increased security in their community.

Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to address this urgent issue impacting local businesses.