N.B. auto parts store suffers up to $20K in losses from break-in

A store owner in Peticodiac, N.B., says the financial impact of break ins has been significant.

A recent break-in at a Napa Auto Parts store in Petitcodiac, N.B., is part of a growing number of robberies and attempted break-ins reported in the region over the past few weeks — many of them still unresolved.

Calvin Hicks, the owner of Napa Auto Parts in Petitcodiac, says his business was targeted early in the morning on Nov. 20.

“A vehicle pulled up in front of the store,” Hicks said. “Three individuals got out quickly and went straight to the front door. The deadbolt held, thank goodness, so they smashed the window and crawled in.

“They knew exactly what they were grabbing. Everything happened really fast — about three-and-a-half to four minutes.”

Security footage shows the suspects entering and leaving the store within minutes. Hicks says the alarm system was triggered immediately and police responded quickly, but the suspects were already gone.

“They were here on scene within about a minute-and-a-half after they left,” he said. “It was a really good response — but they were just that quick.”

The break-in caused significant financial damage. Hicks estimates losses between $15,000 and $20,000, including stolen tools and repairs to doors and windows.

“With insurance, the deductibles are high, so most of this is out of pocket,” he said. “It adds up pretty quick.

“It is discouraging. Every year, crime seems to be getting worse, insurance rates keep going up, and it makes you wonder how much more a small business can take.”

Hicks says he’s been forced to invest even more in security, including adding bars to windows.

“I never wanted to put bars on windows — they don’t look great — but that’s where we’re at now,” he said. “We’re just trying to deter them or slow them down.”

Hicks says break-ins appear to be increasing in the Petitcodiac area and businesses are relying heavily on the community for help.

“The community has been huge,” he said. “People are watching out, keeping an eye on things, passing information along.”

Chris Lewis, a CTV News public safety analyst and former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner, says cases like this are happening across the country.

“What we’re seeing is consistent across Canada,” he said. “Small municipalities are being hit by people looking to smash a window, grab what they can and be gone within minutes.

“People assume video automatically leads to arrests, but that’s not always the case. Faces are covered, vehicles are often stolen, license plates don’t help, unless someone recognizes the individuals.”

He adds police may appear quiet, but that doesn’t mean investigations have stalled.

“Just because police aren’t saying much doesn’t mean nothing is happening,” he said. “They’re connecting incidents, working with other jurisdictions and relying on information from the public.

“Often, someone knows something but doesn’t come forward. That’s how these crimes continue.”

He also cautions business owners against trying to intervene themselves.

“It’s understandable to feel frustrated, but it’s never worth risking your life,” Lewis said. “Harden the target, have security in place, and let police do their job.”

RCMP in the Caledonia region confirm they are still investigating the break-in at Hick’s store.

Police say officers responded to an alarm at a business on Old Post Road at around 3:35 a.m. on Nov. 20 and found damage to the property. Video footage showed three individuals arriving in a dark grey Volkswagen Jetta and breaking into the business. Police say all suspects were wearing black clothing and had their faces covered.

Anyone with information, including dashcam or surveillance footage, is asked to contact Caledonia Region RCMP at 506-387-2222.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.