Several businesses in the downtown area of St. John’s were targeted by smash-and-grab thieves a few nights ago, causing more hardship in an already-difficult period.
The Hong Kong Restaurant and Gingersnap—both on Water Street—were hit within minutes of each other just before 6:00 on Friday morning. Somebody threw a large rock through the front, then rummaged through the stores for the cash register.
(A rock was used to smash through the glass on the doors of Hong Kong Restaurant. Submitted photo.)
At the Hong Kong Restaurant, the thief cut themselves trying to break into the cash register, leaving droplets of blood at the scene. Police collected samples.
Janet Murphy, the owner of Gingersnap, says it’s the first time they have had a break-in in her 11 years of operation. As the only employee, she logs a lot of hours.
She says there’s no need for it. If someone needs help, it is available through organizations such as THRIVE.
