This Long Branch restaurant had its expensive front door smashed so thieves could enter and rob the eatery.
A New Toronto computer store is among the most
recent of about 11 smash-and-grab thefts against
small businesses in the community.
Toronto Police are searching for a suspect who was
involved in a brazen robbery of the popular Tech
Zone, at 2867 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
The suspect took a heavy brick or rock and smashed
a large pane of glass at the store around 7:30 a.m. on
December 29, according to the store’s owner.
A trail of destruction left behind by brazen thieves who robbed this small business in Long Branch.
It was the 11th known smash-and-grab incidents in
the last month to plague businesses in Long Branch,
New Toronto and Mimico.
At least six Long Branch businesses, including a
Korean and Filipino restaurants, a variety store, Tim
Horton’s and a Holy Cannoli dessert shop were
robbed. Also hit were a coffee shop at North Queen
Street and a Mimico pizza place.
The thieves smashed the glass doors or large
panes of glass to gain entry into into the premises.
Sheets of plywood were installed to protect goods inside this New Toronto computer store that had its glass smashed by thieves.
A large piece of plywood had to be placed over
the broken glass to protect the store. “This is the second time
this has happened,” said Ali, owner Tech Zone. “I don’t know
what is going on in this community with the crime.”
Ali is calling for security cameras to be installed in busy
areas so police can obtain the the the premises.
“I will be losing sales and money because
of this,” said Ali, the owner of Tech Zone. “I don’t know
what is going on the community with all this crime.”
It costs small business owners time and money when a smash-and-grab as this occurs.
He said cameras should be installed in public areas so police
can obtain descriptions of the crooks.
Ali said the thief stole headphones, Bluetooth and other hi-tech gear worth more than $1,000.
His store has been in New Toronto for years
and is frequented by shoppers from around the GTA.
Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA, said such brazen smash-and-grabs are rare and he will be asking police for more patrols of the neighbourhood.
“I will be talking to the police superintendent,” he said. “We would like to have something done about all these crimes.”