Store Which Helps to Fund Local Homeless Shelter Burglarized

Man Stabbed to Death in Downtown Victorville

Victorville Home Explodes Cause Unknown

VICTORVILLE – A store that utilizes profits to assist homeless men, women, and children in the San Bernardino County was burglarized.

The exact time is unknown, but the burglary occurred sometime between 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and 10:30 a.m. on Monday morning. Thieves kicked in the front door of the small store located at 15626 6th street in the downtown area of Victorville. The store carries heavily discounted new and gently used merchandise. All of the profit is used to pay the costs associated with keeping the homeless shelter that serves 55 clients for anywhere from 30-120 days.

“I am very sad that someone would steal from a place that helps the homeless, we put a lot of work into this store,” said High Desert Homeless Services Board President Christie Martin. “A lot of the time put into the store is time offered by volunteers, who offer our time because we care about the people we have the pleasure of serving. We offer extremely low prices to help the rest of our community while we use the funds to help keep the shelter running.”

It is still unclear how many suspects were involved, but it appears as though the burglary was not a crime committed by a lone suspect. Thieves entered the small store, grabbing shopping and trash bags from behind the store counter, possibly to fill with store merchandise. The merchandise taken included low-value watches, several packs of crayons, adult coloring books, small baseball gloves, kids baseball pants, soaps, lotions, cologne sprays, makeup, men’s undershirt-type t-shirts, bras, outdoor lighting, and other items, totaling over $1300. The small store also was forced to close for the day, while deputies investigated and while the store loss was inventoried.

“The part that just broke my heart, even more, is that they took all of the money put in our donation collection box that sits on the store counter,” added Martin. “I was in the store on Sunday evening, and there was probably only around three dollar bills and a small amount of change. I am just sad that they did that, while obviously knowing that they were stealing from homeless people in our community.”

The homeless shelter provides a safe, clean, and caring environment for clients from newborn to elderly as they work hard using the resources provided by the shelter in order to find permanent employment and housing. Also provided is food, clothing, personal care items, training, resume writing assistance, and many other services. Store surveillance is being reviewed at this time, hoping that it captured a clear image of the suspect or suspects involved in the burglary.

Anyone who has information is urged to contact the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com