x
Breaking News
More () »

Portland baby store burglarized for second time in two weeks

The EcoBaby Gear store in the Montavilla neighborhood had to close its doors, send workers home, and turn customers away Sunday as it dealt with its second break-in in two weeks.

PORTLAND, Ore. — An eco-friendly baby store in Southeast Portland’s is recovering from their second break-in in just two weeks, according to police.

It happened at the EcoBaby Gear store in the Montavilla Neighborhood sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Store Owner Diana Moore says police called her around 8 a.m. to tell her that her store had been burglarized again.

"It’s horrible and we really think citizens of Portland need to be aware. I got here this morning and I'm just in tears," Moore said.

EcoBaby gear had to close their doors, send workers home, and turn customers away Sunday as they dealt with the aftermath of the burglary.

"It's just the damage and it's the emotional stress of having somebody break into your location," Moore said.

Moore also says she paid to bring in clean-up crews and workers to board-up the shattered front door.

"It's just frustrating. It's like, why are people doing this?" Moore said.

In the first burglary about two weeks ago the suspect(s) broke in through a window and took off with whatever they could get their hands on, according to Moore. However, this time it the burglar(s) broke in through the front door and both Moore and Store Manager Jean Linn say it feels targeted.

"They went under the radar of our sensor. They grabbed one of our best-selling car seats, our most expensive one, and a couple of other things as they're going out the door," Linn said.

Moore tells KGW that the alarm sensors only went off after police arrived at the store.

In both recent break-ins the suspect(s) used big rocks to bust in, Moore said.

The damage for this small business goes deeper than broken glass and stolen inventory for these women.

"It's very violating. This is my home, my second home, and I take it very personally," Linn said.

They're asking anyone who buys car seats and strollers online to check for glass and to call police with any information you may have.

"We're not going to let this pull us all the way down, but we have been pulled down right now and it's sad," Moore said.

Police are investigating both robberies but did not release any other information.

Linn tells KGW EcoBaby Gear will be back open for business Monday morning.

Before You Leave, Check This Out