Haliburton business owner Kelsey Redman says she’s trying to stay upbeat after her Highland Street business, Redmans Records, was hit by a thief twice in three nights last week.
Haliburton Highlands OPP has confirmed they are searching for 29-year-old Connor Davies, who stands to be charged with three counts of breaking and entering, and three counts of theft under $5,000.
Redman said her store was targeted overnight Oct. 19 and again Oct. 21. She provided video footage of the incidents to police, who have issued a warrant for Davies’ arrest. Hers wasn’t the only store hit recently – Greenleaf Cannabis at the Village Barn was robbed late Oct. 27.
Redman said Davies is a frequent customer at her shop.
“I know who it is… this does absolutely suck, it feels awful, definitely a little discouraging but at least I know it isn’t personal. It’s weirdly comforting knowing he didn’t just go out of his way to target me,” Redman said.
She lost a few hundred dollars from her float, a T-shirt and a hoodie – all total losses, since her insurance deductible is worth more than what was taken.
After posting a video about the incident to social media, Redman said the community has really rallied around her.
“It’s really taken off here this week – so many people have come in, saying they were thinking about buying something but heard about what happened so wanted to show their support,” Redman said. “I super appreciate it.”
Mark Roy said a lone man broke a window to get into Greenleaf shortly after 11 p.m. Oct. 27 and made away with $90 cash and approximately $1,200 worth of cannabis product. With repairs, Roy pegged his losses at around $2,000.
“We’ve been open for a few years now and never, ever had an issue,” Roy said, noting he’s planning to install motion cameras at the Village Barn to deter would-be criminals.
Angela Ritchie, who works at Greenleaf, said the incident has left her feeling uneasy. She said she noticed someone lingering in the area shortly before the store closed at 7 p.m. that evening.
“It sucks knowing this is happening – it makes me wonder how safe I am when locking up at night,” Ritchie said, saying the store is open until 9 p.m. some nights.
This is the latest in a long line of robberies in Haliburton village recently. In September, McKeck’s Tap & Grill, Emmerson Lumber, Mega Munch, Kosy Korner and cannabis dispensary Fiore Verde were all hit – with mostly money taken. Police did not confirm whether Davies was a suspect in those incidents.
As of press time, Davies remained at large. Cst. Rob Adams said there is an active ongoing investigation and appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the Oct. 19, 21 or 27 break-ins can contact police at 1-888-3101122 and quote file number E251462863.
Anyone who knows of Davies’ whereabouts is asked not to approach him and call police immediately.
To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.khcrimestoppers.ca. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible to receive a cash reward up to $2,000.
