‘We’ll bounce back’: Coffee shop owner is asking community for help identifying man who broke in and stole money
TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - A cup of coffee, merchandise, or a friendly smile is what most be come to Peggy’s Coffee House at the Temple mall for.
That’s not what this man on surveillance video wanted shortly after 11pm Sunday, he wanted cash.
“It’s actually the first break in, within the interior of the mall, through the front of a store, in the 10 plus years that I’ve been here,” said Rob Brandenburg, Owner of Peggy’s Coffee House.
He failed to get into this register at the front but, he went to the other side of the counter and got into this register there.
Then he went into the back room to break into more lock boxes.
“Noticed it just by turning around, had a prybar in his back pocket or belt, took the prybar out, pretty much drove it in and was able to pop it open,” said Brandenburg. “It’s not that difficult.”
He didn’t stop there, he broke into a small safe and stole a small amount of cash and coins.
The individual on camera got away with a couple thousand in cash.
“Certainly not enough to shut things down,” said Brandenburg. “It puts a dent in operations, but we can bounce back from that. It’s part of doing business, sometimes there’s wins and sometimes there’s losses.
Knowing the amount didn’t devastate the business, he was reluctant to post it on social media but did anyway.
“I was convinced because sometimes people do recognize photos and image and can help with the investigation,” said Brandenburg.
He said he has seem an outpouring of support from the community but did not post it for a hand out or donations.
“If you want to support, show up as a customer,” said Brandenburg. “Allow us to provide a service and product for you in return for that support.”
The owner is hoping that someone will recognize the person in that surveillance footage.
If you want to help them bounce back, they’re asking you not to send donations but rather just come in, enjoy a coffee, or buy a piece of merchandise.
That’s what they said will help them the most.
Temple PD is asking anyone with information on the location or identity of the man on the video to reach out to them or Crime Stoppers.
Anyone who has a tip that leads to and arrest may be compensated for the information.
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