Damage in thousands after repeat break-ins at North End Winnipeg charity

It’s been 12 years since the Up Shoppe on Selkirk Avenue has had any problems with security.

That was until Nov. 29, when a string of robberies hit the charity three times in less than seven days.

“The first window was smashed,” said Kirsti Beauen, the charity’s program manager. Luckily, the damage at that point was minimal.

“We came in and we cleaned up; we boarded up the window and luckily nothing was stolen.”

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Just hours later, though, the same individual struck again.

“The second break-in happened and this time they were successful, getting right in the store, and that’s when they stole some items,” Beauen said. “Around $500-$600 worth.”

Following the third and final break-in, the damage is estimated at about $6,000.

WATCH: Attempted break-in at home owned by Huawei CFO

1:39 Attempted break-in at home owned by Huawei CFO

Winnipeg police said Monday a man was caught pushing a shopping cart in the area of Selkirk Avenue with a stolen filing cabinet inside.

Robert Shawn Nault, 46, has been charged with 28 counts of break-and-enter and one count of resisting a peace officer after several businesses in the area were broken into over a few-week span.

The shop, meanwhile, is looking at measures to beef up security going forward.

“Maybe putting bars over the windows,” Beauen said. “We are trying to determine the most cost-effective way to secure the building.”

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Staff at the store said the support from the community since they posted their story on Facebook has been “outstanding.”

“It’s just wonderful, you have to thank them all for the donations that they’ve given because it makes a big difference,” said Sheila Holt, one of the store’s cashiers.