NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Three local business owners in New Haven are trying to look on the bright side after someone broke into their stores in the middle of the night and stole from them.
“We got some material stuff broken, and we can get it back. But, the good thing is, nobody was hurt,” said Mario Mena, owner and GM of Vinas Wine & Tapas.
Mena’s store was one of three places hit by this suspect early Thursday morning around 3 a.m. The suspect can be seen on video throwing what looks like a brick through the glass doors of the stores on Orange Street, and then climbing inside.
Minutes later, police say the suspect did the same thing at Elm City Games and the Ninth Square Market across the street.
In Mena’s case, the suspect stole $200 from two cash registers and caused thousands of dollars in damage.
“It’s about $2,000 in damage. It could have been worse though; it could have been much worse,” Mena said.
Mena opened the wine bar and restaurant only eight months ago, finding what he feels is the perfect spot in New Haven’s Ninth Square Historic District.
“Everything’s been great until, last night,” Mena said.
However, Mena has said the outpouring of support from the community during this time has lifted his spirits.
“I feel that you’re able to see people that really care about you in the moments that you most need it, and a lot of customers reach out to us the authorities, people from the town hall came today,” Mena said.
Other business owners in the area feel the same way.
“It’s certainly not something that’s going to dissuade us from really loving our neighborhood and the place that we are,” said Matt Fantastic, co-owner of Elm City Games.
That sentiment echoed by the third business owner who was impacted by the incident.
“Everybody is healthy; we’re good. Money comes and goes,” said Imad Jabbour, owner of Ninth Square Market.
Jabbour has been in the same location for more than two decades, and the same crime has been committed at his store four or five times now. Still, he said he loves the location he’s in, and has never considered moving.
“This is like my second home,” Jabbour said.
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the burglaries or who may have information that will help investigators to call detectives at 203-946-6304 or the department's anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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