Witness provided police details on four Camas business break-ins
Four downtown Camas businesses were broken into around 4 a.m. Halloween morning. Local business owners reported that it appears three individuals wearing masks broke into the establishments Sunday, throwing a rock to smash the glass in the front door of each business. One citizen shared with a business owner — “it looks like big town problems are coming to our little town.’’
The four establishments are Papermaker Pride, Caps N’ Taps, Camas Slices, and the Birch Street Lounge. The main damage was the broken glass front doors. However a small amount of merchandise appears to have been stolen from Papermaker Pride, and a couple bottles of liquor taken from Birch Street Lounge. An antique cash register was removed from the Birch Street Lounge. It was found damaged across the street by Camas police.
Papermaker Pride and Caps and Taps were two of four businesses broken into early Halloween morning in downtown Camas. It appears that three individuals smashed front door glass on all the establishments to gain entry. Only small amounts of cash and merchandise were stolen. Photos courtesy business employees.
Apparently an individual witnessed the break-ins, but was initially afraid for their safety. They later alerted the police and provided descriptions and information. Another downtown business reportedly has security video footage and will make it available to authorities.
One business employee hopes the individuals are caught so they can’t do this to anyone else. “Karma will come for them,” she said.
Lacamas Magazine reported: “According to local merchants and Camas Police Officer McNall, four downtown Camas businesses were broken into between 4-4:50 am today.”
Multiple local citizens showed up to offer their help in cleaning up and boarding up doors. But the businesses reported that glass repair firms were coming later in the day, and one business owner was on his way with plywood and materials to make repairs.
Lacamas Magazine Editor Ernie Geigenmiller, considered a supporter of Camas businesses, posted an alert on social media late in the morning that triggered the reach out to the community. Multiple citizens came by offering help. “We’re going to recover just fine,” said another business employee.
“They stole about $100 from our till,” said Karen Gibson, co-owner of Papermaker Pride. “They broke the front door, as well.”
Officer Tim McNall said the burglars were driving a gray or silver Jeep SUV. He also said a Washougal business was broken into.
The police ask anyone who may be able to help in this investigation to contact 3-1-1 and ask for Officer McNall.
Area residents are encouraged to support these four businesses this week, especially with “First Friday” happening where the community enjoys a Friday afternoon and evening in downtown Camas.
