6.1.23 – KOCO Oklahoma City
A string of crimes continuing at businesses across Oklahoma City has owners looking for answers and help from officials.
KOCO reported twice on a series of break-ins near Oklahoma City’s Asian District and in Automobile Alley. Now, more businesses are reporting similar situations.
Windows are boarded up on businesses down Classen Avenue. The Oklahoma City Police Department said they don’t know at this point if the break-ins from Tuesday night are related to the others, but it is the same area that a group of juveniles have been targeting.
“They seem to be targeting just local businesses, which is really frustrating, especially because right now is a really rough time to be a local business. Everything is more costly, and replacing $500 windows all the time is not ideal,” said Katie Morgan, the owner of Katiebugs.
Police said a group of local teenagers have a routine to their crime spree. They walk up to a business, throw a rock at the window, take what they want and leave.
Multiple businesses have reported similar crimes from Tuesday night. One cafe gave KOCO surveillance video of a suspect breaking into multiple nearby businesses.
Other business owners said they don’t understand why more isn’t being done. The Independent Shopkeepers’ Association, which works with small businesses, told KOCO, “It’s heartbreaking and is leaving so many owners feeling helpless.”
They said they have been telling the shops to make sure they have cameras and alarms, light the outside of the business well, work with neighbors and make their voices heard by elected officials and police.
Businesses said they hope residents continue to hear them and show support.
“If anything, you should be supporting these businesses that are being targeted,” said Morgan.
They are also looking to the district attorney in hopes more can be done to stop petty crimes that cost them hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.
A string of crimes is continuing at businesses across Oklahoma City, having owners looking for answers on what can be done …