Southwest Side Candy Store Owner Fed Up After 4 Break-Ins in Less Than 2 Years
A Struggle to Keep the Business Afloat
Meriza Perez, owner of Sweet Treats in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, is at her wit’s end after thieves targeted her store for a fourth time in less than two years. The most recent incident occurred on Sunday, leaving her feeling frustrated and pressured.
A Dream Business Under Siege
Perez began her business from home and achieved her dream, opening a brick-and-mortar location for her candy store, which specializes in custom treats, cakes, and a wide selection of candies, almost two years ago. However, the string of break-ins has been a significant challenge.
The First Break-In
The first break-in occurred in June 2023, when thieves broke into the store through a neighboring property, stealing equipment and inventory. Perez was forced to close the store and has been struggling to recover since then.
Boards and Cameras, But Still No End to the Break-Ins
After a similar incident occurred in May of this year, Perez boarded up the store to prevent further damage. She also installed cameras to deter potential thieves. However, the break-ins continued, with the most recent incident occurring just three weeks ago.
A Community of Support
Despite the setbacks, Perez’s neighbors have been a source of encouragement, showing their support for the business owner. However, the inconvenience caused by the break-ins is causing her to lose potential customers, making it difficult to keep the business afloat.
A Plan to Move Forward
Perez is determined to push forward and is planning to install a gate to secure the store. She is also seeking donations through a GoFundMe page to help with repair costs. The police have not yet announced any arrests in the case.
Conclusion
The break-ins have been a significant challenge for Perez and her business, but she remains determined to keep Sweet Treats open and thriving. With the support of her community and a plan to move forward, Perez is confident that she can overcome this setback and continue to bring joy to her customers.
FAQs
Q: How many times has Sweet Treats been broken into?
A: The store has been broken into four times in less than two years.
Q: What is the most recent incident?
A: The most recent incident occurred on Sunday, when thieves broke into the store again.
Q: What is being done to prevent further break-ins?
A: Perez has boarded up the store and installed cameras to deter potential thieves. She is also planning to install a gate to secure the store.
Q: How can people support Sweet Treats?
A: People can support Sweet Treats by donating to the GoFundMe page set up to help with repair costs. They can also show their support by visiting the store and spreading the word about the business.
