The proprietor of a lingerie store in Regina has spoken out following a series of vandal attacks on her business, marking the sixth incident in recent months. Linda Bell, the owner of Thee Lingerie Shoppe located on Albert Street, expressed her devastation over the repeated acts of vandalism. Between August 26 and September 4, rocks were thrown at the store’s front window on five separate occasions, causing severe damage including shattered windows and overturned mannequins inside. Subsequently, a new window that Bell had installed was also damaged over the past weekend, renewing fears of continued attacks.
Despite no theft being reported in any of the incidents, the cost of damages has been substantial, with insurance covering the initial $10,000 but leaving Bell responsible for an additional $4,000. Concerns have also arisen regarding potential increases in insurance rates. In response to the vandalism, the store has upgraded security measures with new video cameras and stronger glass. However, Bell and her staff remain anxious about the possibility of further attacks, particularly during business hours.
Bell suspects that a single individual is targeting her store, though no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the vandalism. The incidents have been reported to the Regina Police Service, who have offered to enhance patrols in the area to deter future attacks. Notably, Thee Lingerie Shoppe is not the only business affected, as the nearby Excalipurr Cat Café also had its front window smashed on October 9, prompting temporary closure for repairs.
Chelsey Legendre, the owner of the cat café, expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the rarity of such occurrences in their eight years of operation. Despite the setback, Legendre received significant community support and assistance, including a donated replacement window. Both Bell and Legendre have taken steps to enhance security measures to prevent further damage to their establishments.
While reports of broken windows have been prevalent in Regina, statistics from the Regina Police Service indicate a decrease in such incidents compared to previous years. Residents and business owners are encouraged to report any acts of vandalism or mischief to assist law enforcement in addressing emerging crime trends and allocating resources effectively.