PEORIA (25News Now) — A local diner is working to recover after days of vandalism.
Sophia's Kitchen said vandals had smashed doors and windows at the establishment over the course of several days, and that the troublemakers had been arrested.
Claire Krohn, program director for the food pantry, said she was outraged after a male suspect broke multiple doors and serving windows last week and stole large amounts of food and kitchen supplies.
Krohn also said security camera footage helped them track down the perpetrator in all three cases, so he's not worried about his safety regardless of the circumstances. Still, the nonprofit has beefed up security measures and barred anyone it believes may be the culprit from entering the facility.
A local diner was robbed three times in the last week, which is making it difficult to get insurance coverage: The nonprofit says it suffered thousands of dollars worth of damages, and for the third, most damaging incident, it can't claim anything because its insurance deductible has already skyrocketed.
“We're trying to do a lot of good things here, and he's the person we've given food to,” Krohn said. “We're giving food away for free. All you have to do is ask for free food.”
With repairs taking priority, Krohn said Sophia's Kitchen is having to cut back on spending and reevaluate what it really needs.
Another volunteer, Suzie Flanagan, said the theft was unfortunate and she had never seen anything like it before.
“I've seen a few minor incidents. I've lived here for nine years and I love it here,” Flanagan said. “The owners just deal with what happens as it comes along. But I've never felt unsafe here. I've always felt safe here.”
The kitchen will not close and is accepting donations to help cover costs.
Those wishing to donate can do so online at www.CatholicPeoria.org or by mail to 105 N Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL 61605.
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