‘A real punch to the gut:’ Halifax beer store frustrated after overnight break-in

A Halifax taproom is trying to track down two people who broke into their business and stole beer and items.

A Halifax cafe and brewery is asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects who allegedly broke into the store around 4 a.m. Monday Morning.

Courtney Quinn. the general manager of The Oxford Taproom on Quinpool Road, says the suspects got in by smashing through the window of the patio door.

“One person came through, went right to the till behind the bar. Tried to find money in there, which there wasn’t. Luckily, we keep it locked up. They took two iPads while the second person went into our retail store, took four cases of beer or three cases of beer. Kept the door open and left out the front door,” says Quinn.

She also says one of the suspects defecated on their patio deck.

“The main word that comes to mind is violated. It’s been incredibly frustrating. We lost about four hours of business on Monday morning, as having to close off a good chunk of our taproom” she says.

Carla Nicholson, the Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association’s executive director, says these kinds of situations continue to plague different establishments across the city.

“Crime is definitely on the uptick. And not just on Quinpool road, but throughout the surrounding districts. Spring Garden Road, the North end…every time something like this happens, it’s just a real punch in the gut,” says Nicholson.

‘It really is a battle we’re going to have to fight. And we need more resources. We need more boots on the ground, and we need the police to respond as quickly as possible."

Halifax Police say the investigation into The Oxford Taproom break-in is in its early stages and encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Meanwhile, Quinn encourages other businesses to take precautionary measures.

“If I have any advice for any businesses, small businesses is to make sure your cameras are up to date and functioning. This will help us find these folks fast.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page