Businesses and condos around St. Lawrence Market in south Toronto has been the victim of broken windows and break-ins in recent weeks.
The owners of these businesses and residences are requesting a wider police presence in the area, especially at night, to deter or catch vandals.
Every night for weeks, the windows or doors of a condo or small business are smashed-sometimes more than once a night-and some businesses are hit two or three times.owner Chris Conrad told CBC News.
Dozens of shop and condo windows were shatteredHe added.
A Toronto police spokesman confirmed to CBC News that they have received reports of breaks and enters as well as damage to buildings in the area.
In the past week alone, residents said there have been at least 14 reports of break-ins or businesses with broken windows, including:
- Big Pita at 115 Front Street E.,
- Tacorrita at 263 King Street E.,
- Urban Cova at 16 Church Street,
- Bindia Indian Bistro at 16 Market Street,
- Shoppers Drug Mart at 18 Lower Jarvis Street,
- Rexall at 63 Front Street E.,
- Gateway Newstands at 1 The Esplanade,
- ASK Computers at 111 Front Street E.,
- Karmas Kitchen at 140 The Esplanade,
- Khao Hakka at 37 Sherbourne Street.
Karma Tsetar, who opened a restaurant in the neighborhood in October, said when her employees arrived at work on Friday, they discovered that one of the windows had been broken.
It’s a thick display case and it doesn’t look like an accident, it was deliberately madehe told CBC News.
Surely someone used extreme force to break that windowsaid Mr. Tsetar.
He added that even if nothing was stolen, the cost of repairing the broken window would affect his bottom line.
This is an act of prankhe said, adding that he reported it to the police.
Nadia Kaakati, who lives in the neighborhood, said she has noticed a sudden increase in break-ins and broken windows at local businesses.
It’s certainly a bit confusing, but I’m more worried about the companies, because I know it’s expensive to replace them.he told CBC News.
Another resident, Shane McPherson, said he saw what happened was done to him very sad at somewhat frustrated.
It looks like it could be someone or a few people walking around and randomly reading the windows.
Source: Radio-Canada
