Local News

Desperate times: Durham's Cocoa Cinnamon suffers three break-ins in a month

Since the pandemic began, Durham small businesses have seen an increase in vandalism, break-ins and burglaries.

Posted Updated

By
Lora Lavigne
, WRAL Durham reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — Since the pandemic began, Durham small businesses have seen an increase in vandalism, break-ins and burglaries.

Just this week someone targeted a Durham coffee shop for the third time in just over a month.

Many Durham businesses, like Cocoa Cinnamon, have pivoted during the pandemic to keep their doors open. Now, the owners are facing another hardship because some people are taking desperate measures to get what they need.

“We, as a team, have worked really hard to just get through this,” said Leon Grodski Barrera, Cocoa Cinnamon co-owner.

Capturing images of smashed windows and shattered glass has become a consistent event for him.

“Obviously, it’s not fun being broken into, and it feels like a real violation, but we also realize how much pain and hardship there is out in the community,” he said.

He’s witnessed the hardship first-hand after break-ins occurred at two of his locations within six weeks.

In a third incident at the Hillsborough Road cafe Tuesday morning, an alarm system scared off the thief.

“All of us are trying so hard right now to be safe, to keep our spirits high,” he added.

Fortunately, the coffee shops do not keep cash in the buildings. So, no money was stolen.

“This is obviously desperate times for a number of folks, and we’re not the only ones struggling,” said Mariah Miller, the shops’ director of retail.

The Cocoa Cinnamon team is taking a lighter approach to the situation. They are thankful they can stay open, and that employees can continue working.

“Locals who frequent them, we really love and care about these stores, and we just wish it would stop,” said Lindon Pearson, a loyal customer.

Support continues to grow for the business during this time. In turn, Cocoa Cinnamon is putting a greater focus on the needs of those struggling.

“There’s people in our community that need to be taken care of. It’s really unfortunate, and we empathize with that and just are really happy that no one was hurt,” added Miller.

The business saw an influx online sales this week thanks to the community. In regard to the break-in, police do not have a suspect and they don’t suspect that the three incidents are connected.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.