For the second time since the holidays, NAPA Auto Parts was a victim of a theft.
Gerry Jackson, the store owner, said the first break-in happened between Dec. 24 and 25 when a thief broke into a storage cage behind the shop and stole approximately $4,500 worth of scrap batteries and some used batteries.
At the time, Jackson said his security camera was malfunctioning and he didn’t get any footage of the suspect(s).
Then, less than two weeks later, another attempted break-in happened this past Sunday during broad daylight, while the store was closed.
A thief, this time caught on camera, attempted to break through a new lock securing the storage cage for scrap batteries. In this case, the thief was unsuccessful, but Jackson said he’s concerned about what the thief is using the old battery parts for and that the thief will keep coming back.
“We need to put a stop to this ASAP,” Jackson said.
“I found out since this is an epidemic in the industry province-wide. It’s so bad up in Red Deer that stores like myself are having to store their scrap batteries inside which is really scary because batteries will gas and therefore become a health hazard or fire hazard. I don’t want to have to get to that point.”
Jackson suspects the thief could either be refurbishing the old batteries and reselling them, a trend confimed by Cochrane RCMP.
As a strong community supporter, donating to multiple non-profits including the Cochrane and Area Humane Society and as a contributor to the turf field, Jackson said the break-ins hurt more than just his business.
“I give back to a lot in town,” Jackson said. “Every time I take a $5,000 hit it’s just a little tougher to give back. That money has to come from somewhere.”
