In recent years, Cigarettes Cheaper, a family-owned small business located in San Francisco’s Richmond District, has been plagued by repeated break-ins. The store’s owner, Bashir, expressed his frustration with the ongoing crime, which has been taking place since 2020. He emphasized that the business is simply trying to provide for their family and maintain their livelihood.
Following the most recent break-in, police officers observed possible suspects entering cars and fleeing the scene. One vehicle even collided with a marked police vehicle in the process. While a firearm and potential stolen merchandise were discovered in one of the vehicles, no arrests were made. The repeated theft has resulted in significant financial losses for the business, with stolen items such as boxes of cigarettes and damage to the storefront estimated to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
To address the security concerns, Cigarettes Cheaper has taken precautions such as installing interior fencing. However, thieves have continued to use cars to ram through the fencing, causing further damage. Bashir expressed concern about the lack of insurance coverage for such incidents due to high risk involved in California. As a result, the business faces financial challenges in recovering from the losses suffered in the break-ins.
The ongoing security concerns and financial strain have led Bashir to contemplate shutting down his business entirely. He highlighted how difficult it is for small businesses like his to operate in a high-cost environment when faced with recurring criminal activity that threatens their livelihood and employees’ safety. Despite efforts to secure his store and seek insurance coverage, Bashir’s business may ultimately be forced to close its doors for good if it continues to face these challenges.
It is important for neighborhood businesses like Cigarettes Cheaper to have adequate support from law enforcement and insurance companies to protect them from repeat crimes that threaten their livelihoods and communities’ safety.
Cigarettes Cheaper: A Family Business Facing Closure Due To Repeated Break-Ins
