Thieves Target Valley Coffee Shops

At least five coffee shops broken into since weekend

Tools

By Kate McPherson
Bio | Email

Story Created: Dec 4, 2012 at 7:33 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 4, 2012 at 7:33 PM AKDT

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEY - State Troopers say thieves are targeting coffee shops in the Matanuska Valley -- from Big Lake to Palmer.

According to troopers, around five coffee shops are now cleaning up after being broken into over the weekend and Monday. Total damage is estimated at $10,000.

Cabin Coffee, just outside of Wasilla on the Parks Highway, has only been open four months.

The owner, who didn't want to be identified, said being broken into over the weekend is a financial setback for a business that’s just getting off the ground.

“Glass shattered all over the ground, broken window it was just really scary,” the owner said on Tuesday.

The thieves made off with about $40 worth of energy drinks.

“There's Rockstar spilt everywhere; they took the whole thing of Rockstar out of there.”

The thieves also took the cash register, which only had $8 in change.

Troopers believe two men driving a sedan are responsible -- but there are no descriptions available to release to the public.

The owner of the Metro Café in Wasilla, Carmen Starheim, caught the break-in on surveillance video.

“They threw a rock through this window and it came right through here through the pastry case,” said Starheim, pointing to the drive-thru window.

Starheim said no money is ever left in the cash register.

“[I'm] more hurt then angry; I should be angry I guess but just this is my baby my little shop,” said Starheim, who can’t understand why anyone would target a coffee shop.

She and her husband established their business from scratch three years ago and have built up a following of loyal customers.

Starheim says there’s not much worth stealing.

“Syrup? Coffee?”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the State Troopers at 907-745-2131.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

kru said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 6:23 PM

hire a watch dog and then show the video of these idiots getting bit.

108421295
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 2:30 AM

I feel bad that coffee shops are getting hit and less then a year after what had happen to Samantha Koenig. My heart goes to Samantha's family and to the owners of the shop now having to clean up. Shame on you thieves, karma will get you in the end.

108993412
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.