Wilkes-Barre small businesses plagued with break-ins, thefts
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Over the past two weeks, there have been a series of break-ins and thefts from multiple small businesses across the city of Wilkes-Barre.
On Wednesday, 28/22 News showed you a video of a break-in at a local ice cream shop.
On Thursday, 28/22 News learned that several other businesses in Wilkes-Barre City have experienced similar thefts.
Small businesses across Wilkes-Barre City are being plagued with theft.
On January 27, the manager of Frank’s newsstand, who did not want to appear on camera, told 28/22 News they got a call about a man breaking into their store and stealing the register drawer, taking $150 with him.
Just days later, Franco’s in Wilkes Barre had a similar experience.
NEPA fire chiefs discuss training, emergency preparedness
“They broke into my pizza delivery van. It’s Franco’s van that drives around town delivering delicious pizza,” said Rosa Bellia, owner of Franco’s.
The two thieves took catering equipment, and tools, costing Franco’s more than $1,500 in losses.
“My reaction I am very sad. I mean this is my hometown this is where I’ve lived my entire life. And to be afraid to be able to leave your property, and not know what you’re gonna come back to the next morning, or later on that day or night is very heartbreaking,” Bellia explained.
On Tuesday, Axelrad Printing had one of their employee’s bikes taken from outside of the business. That bike cost more than $2,000 and was the employee’s main form of transportation.
“I feel violated. I know a lot of my employees feel violated. It’s just nervewracking knowing that like somewhere where you feel like you should be comfortable, you just can’t be,” said Axelrad Ink Mixer Brad Rhodes.
On Wednesday, Boozy B’s Ice Cream had their door completely smashed with a brick, and someone stole hundreds of dollars from their register.
“Yeah it was scary to us, you know it’s tough losing that money but, honestly put the money aside, I am just so thankful that no one was here, my family and I, no one got hurt, and I can always, you know, the money’s replaceable,” said Boozy B’s owner Bianca Lupio.
Wilkes-Barre City Police say they are actively investigating each incident, following leads, and working to make arrests.
They would not comment on if any of the thefts or break-ins are connected.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
