Small businesses in Weld, Boulder counties hit by string of break-ins

WELD COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A string of business burglaries in Boulder and Weld counties has left several business owners reeling and police on the lookout.

Many of the break-ins happened the same way.

The suspect appears to use the same way of operating, breaking through the front glass window or door of businesses. They either try or take off with the cash register.

“So the cops had contacted my mom who also owns this business with me. We just rushed over here — it was about 8 o’clock in the morning," said Alycia Abraham, owner of Our Pet Spot.

When the two made it to the Erie pet store Friday morning they found the front door smashed out.

“I think they came over at like three in the morning," said Abraham. "That's what police was saying. So, the door was left smashed and open until we made it over here."

The burglar got away with the cash drawer, leaving behind way more destruction than it was worth.

“I don’t think they are realizing how much damage they are doing," Abraham said. "They can take $150 bucks but then it's like $700 for a brand new door.”

Within the same hour, a similar scene was unfolding just across the street at Taco El Rey #2. One of their front windows was broken into.

Abraham also learned from scrolling through social media that three businesses in Louisville, just 10 minutes from her pet shop, were also hit overnight.

“I was just in shock that it was happening again and with it how it just happened over here a week ago," she said.

Earlier this month surveillance video from Button Rock Bakery in Lafayette showed a burglar breaking into the business with a hammer. Then, the thief made a beeline to the register. Once they noticed nothing of value inside, they left with a tray of carrot cake cupcakes instead.

“It’s like the same pattern every weekend," said Abraham. "There's one or two or three small businesses and the door is smashed.”

Abraham didn't have surveillance to catch the suspect. She thought after never experiencing a break-in for the past three years, she didn't need them. The business' location inside a plaza near Safeway also made her feel safe.

“I think it's sad because small businesses are being targeted and we really need the most help right now," said Abraham. "Now all these businesses need new glass windows and it's coming out our own pockets. So, they should stop.”

FOX31 reached out to both the Erie and Louisville police departments to see if the crimes are connected, but has not yet heard back.

Abraham is encouraging all small business owners to make sure their security system is updated and to stay alert. If you have any information about any of these burglaries, you are urged to give law enforcement a call.