'We have no protection': Fed up of 15 break-ins store owner shuts down shop amid growing crime rates

Marcy Landolfo, the owner of a clothes company in Portland, is the most recent business owner to criticize the state for not doing enough to support these business owners. Rampant crime in many areas has made it difficult for small business owners to continue their operations or run smoothly. Landolfo recently closed her company after experiencing more than 15 break-ins over the course of the previous 15 months. Market Marcy The closure of Rains PDX comes after she left a message explaining why she decided to remove a clothes store that was a favorite among locals on the site where her storefront once stood. She claimed in the message that she is unable to cope with the damages caused by the break-ins and that the insurance company has stopped providing assistance after a certain point. She also cites the rising crime rate as her main justification and informs her clients that moving forward, she will only be selling her products online. A report by FOX Business has said that Landolfo’s note reads, “Our city is in peril. Small businesses (and large) cannot sustain doing business, in our city’s current state. We have no protection, or recourse, against the criminal behavior that goes unpunished. Do not be fooled into thinking that insurance companies cover losses. We have sustained 15 break-ins … we have not received any financial reimbursement since the 3rd.” "The issue is, as tiny enterprises, we cannot withstand those types of losses and remain in operation," she continues. I won't even attempt to quantify the amount that has been spent out of pocket. She has criticized the city's administration and begged her fellow citizens to cast thoughtful ballots. In order to continue supporting small businesses, she also made sure to reach out to people outside of her core clientele. “Portland has always been known for its thriving and abundant local independently owned small businesses. If small businesses are forced out then out city will have lost a lot of what makes it a unique and desirable place to live. Please do your part and support small businesses this holiday season and beyond. Please be vigilant in voting to make our city safe again. Thank you and happy holidays.”

The owner at Rains tells me after five break-ins in about three weeks, she made the sudden decision to permanently close. Staff here are putting pressure on the city to look after small businesses dealing with ongoing challenges with crime. pic.twitter.com/XyP2p6PR6W

— Megan Allison (@mallisonKATU) November 26, 2022

A statement was also released from the Mayor’s Office, “Mayor Wheeler and his team understand that local businesses often must make a choice whether to pay out of pocket or file a claim with their insurance after a break-in. "For this reason, we’ve worked to increase funding for Business Repair Grants through Prosper Portland, and recently held a Retail Safety Summit to strategize with local business leaders and loss prevention specialists on the retail theft crisis. We are also working with interested property owners to streamline the permitting process to add enhanced lighting to storefronts, which can help deter nighttime break-ins.”