Another break-in at Kitchener thrift store for victims of domestic violence

Second theft at Kitchener thrift store A thrift store that supports survivors of domestic violence is dealing with another break-in. Heather Senoran has the details.

A thrift store in Kitchener that supports survivors of domestic violence has been broken into for a second time.

Security video at Retail Therapy KW Thrift & Consign shows someone in the store on Sunday.

“The footage shows that we had someone enter around 8:30 p.m. and then it looks like two people came back again around 2 a.m. So it's actually a double situation, which is pretty scary,” said Amanda Kroetsch, the store’s founder and executive director.

Staff believe the thieves took items worth a few hundred dollars, mostly community donations.

During the first break-in back in April, when someone stole about $5,000 worth of electronics and cash, they had to temporarily suspend their support program.

Kroetsch couldn’t believe it happened again.

“I think it’s awful for anyone to have the violation of being robbed, regardless of whether you’re a fancy jewelry store at the mall, or a charity thrift store,” she said. “I’m glad no one was here. I’m glad I was the one that found it. But it does make us feel really nervous.”

According to police, two male suspects entered through a store window. One is described as wearing a light-coloured ball cap and ripped jeans, as well as carrying a black backpack.

Helping survivors

Retail Therapy KW Thrift & Consign helps domestic violence survivors by allowing them to shop for free when the store is closed so they can browse in a calm, quiet environment.

“The real intention behind it is to help regain sovereignty and autonomy,” said Kroetsch, who also started the Domestic Violence Victim’s Alliance to help other survivors, like herself.

“I ended up leaving with brain injury, a mild traumatic brain injury. And I also suffer from complex PTSD, anxiety [and] depression,” she explained.

Kroetsch said she could have used a place Retail Therapy when she left her abuser five years ago. The following year she had to file for bankruptcy and was struggling to get by.

Kroetsch said her goal is to help others get through the hard transition.

“I just really wanted to do my part to try to make that decision, to leave sooner – easier,” she admitted.

Staff want to upgrade the security system but they don’t have the funds to make it happen.

Their doors are open to the entire community – no matter a person’s situation.

Kroetsch said she hopes to get more shoppers through their doors, so they can continue to help more people. They’re also looking for more volunteers to keep the store going strong.