Burnaby ice cream shop owner speaks out after glass door smashed

The co-owner of a popular Burnaby ice cream shop is raising concerns about neighbourhood safety after a man allegedly kicked in its glass door and damaged two neighbouring businesses.

Glenburn Soda Fountain and Confectionery posted video online showing a man kicking the glass door at its location at 4090 Hastings St. The shop said the man also targeted Chao Mami and Panino Mio, describing the incident as one person taking out his anger on three small businesses in one night.

Co-owner Roberta LaQuaglia said the vandalism occurred at about 4 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. A person seen on the shop's surveillance footage reported the damage at about 7:50 a.m., and RCMP contacted the business at about 8:20 a.m., she said. Replacing the door glass will cost $1,000.

In its social media post, Glenburn said Burnaby Heights has experienced too many broken windows, break-ins, vandalism and other criminal acts, with perpetrators facing little or no consequences. The business said the replacement cost is significant for a small shop.

LaQuaglia said nearby businesses have also had windows broken or been vandalized, but she viewed this incident differently. She said the man appeared to be acting out of anger rather than stealing to survive, and remained with friends after damaging the door without appearing concerned about being caught or held responsible.

Isabel Kolic, executive director of the Heights Merchants Association, said vandalism and criminal incidents occur in waves and have been particularly elevated over the past five years. She said the causes are complex, but small businesses are often left carrying the financial and emotional costs, leaving many owners exhausted and affecting their ability to earn a living.

The association has safety measures for its nearly 400 member businesses, including regular safety advisory committee meetings, an open phone line with the City of Burnaby's Public Safety department and a 24-Hour Security Alert emailed to businesses when BIA members report a crime to the association. Kolic said safety concerns reported by businesses are escalated to the City and the RCMP. The association is also a member of the Business Improvement Areas of BC Board of Directors, which has advocated to governments for more support for small businesses dealing with these issues.

Glenburn asked anyone who recognizes people in the footage shared online to provide information to the Burnaby RCMP. LaQuaglia thanked community members for their support online and in person, saying the business was deeply touched by the response.