Kelowna businesses pitch in after break-in

KELOWNA – Laura Draycott returned to her store on July 11 to a scene every business owner dreads: A break-in.

Draycott is an owner of Wink i Wear, an independent eyewear store that recently moved to a new location on Richter Street.

The move was a costly one, requiring several renovations and upgrades. Draycott was excited to take her business to another level in the new spot, but the break-in hampered their takeoff.

Security footage showed two masked thieves breaking into the store at 4:20 a.m. on July 11. They smashed the door glass and took off with two laptops and a speaker.

In total, the theft set the store back $4000, a heavy expense after their considerable renovations.

"It sucks," Draycott said. "I was pretty upset."

Draycott filed a police report, but the thieves have yet to turn up. Wink i Wear replaced the door glass and that's when a customer stepped up to lighten the financial burden and give the store peace of mind.

Paul Boswell with Sunset Window Tinting offered to cover the door with a security film, making it very hard to break. Best of all, the company installed the film free of charge.

"It was a total surprise," Draycott said. "Very sweet."

While the break-in has been a tough ordeal for Draycott and her store, she's heartened by how Sunset Window and other local businesses have come together to support her.

"It makes you feel people are out there (to help you)," she said.

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