Recent Attempted Break-Ins And Burglaries Impact Local Businesses

"We're very disappointed that someone would do this and give us a big headache. We are getting very tired," said Smoke Shop Owner Mike Wazwaz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth and Hermantown Police are searching for whoever is responsible for a string of attempted burglaries and break-ins at area businesses.

As more people are staying home, recent statistics are showing most crimes in the area are decreasing.

But break-ins and burglaries at local businesses are holding steady.

Within the last 24 hours Duluth police responded to a total of three incidents, involving attempted break-ins and burglaries.

One of those burglaries happened at the Smoke Shop in Duluth near the Miller Hill Mall.

The store, which sells a variety of tobacco and vape products, was broken into around midnight.

The front doors and several glass display cases were shattered.

The suspect or suspects were only able to get away with a few items.

But the damage done to the store is leaving the owner with many feelings.

“So far in 27 years, I have never had something like this happen,” said Smoke Shop Owner Mike Wazwaz. “We’re very disappointed that someone would do this and give us a big headache. We are getting very tired.

With the pandemic hitting everyone in the community hard, the owner believes the people involved aren’t individuals desperately seeking to make up for their financial losses.

He believes these are just plain criminals, who make a habit of taking from others.

Up the hill, the Korner Store on Hermantown Road was also vandalized.

The store, which is owned by Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved, only suffered from a broken glass door.

Medved says he can only be optimistic about the situation.

“I’m just keeping calm. That’s the best part for me. You can’t control what happens. It all about how you can react,” said Medved. “You have to keep positive. I always joke sometimes that you have to wear your smile like a name tag and bring it with you to work and everywhere you go.”

Both business owners believe the warmer weather may be to blame when a spike in these types of crimes often happens as summer gets closer.

No suspects have been arrested in any of the incidents.

The owner of the smoke shop is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in the burglary at his store.