Starland Strange and Bazaar burglarized twice in one week

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Starland Strange and Bazaar has been burglarized twice in the span of a week, and Savannah police are now investigating both incidents after store owners filed two separate police reports.

Second break-in happened just before midnight Monday

The second break-in occurred Monday night, just before midnight. Staff say a man kicked in the back door, stole multiple pieces of merchandise, and broke into the store’s cash-only photobooth, taking all of the money inside. The suspect then made his way to the studio space upstairs, breaking in that door as well.

PRIOR COVERAGE: Starland District shop asks for community support after overnight break-in

The first break-in occurred July 7. During that incident, security footage showed the suspect covering his face. In the second break-in, security cameras captured a clearer image of the suspect.

Manager says staff feel targeted

Molly Copinsky, manager of Starland Strange and Bazaar, said the repeated break-ins have taken a toll on staff.

“It just feels extremely violating to have any space broken into,” Copinsky said.

She said discovering the damage when she arrived for work Tuesday was difficult to process.

“Again, it’s just something unexpected so it just feels violating. Watching it, it’s just really disheartening for this to happen to a small local business as well,” Copinsky said.

Community rallies around the shop

In the wake of the two break-ins, neighbors have come out to show their support — stopping in, buying ice cream, and checking on staff throughout the day.

Customer Asia Klassen said the incident is felt by the entire community.

“When something like this happens to one of us it happens to all of us. So, I would just encourage everybody to come get ice cream,” Klassen said. “As much as we can, just supporting each other, that’s what Savannah is all about.”

Copinsky said the outpouring has made a difference for the staff.

“It’s good to know that there’s a huge community behind us,” she said. “A lot of people just swinging on in, grabbing a scoop of ice cream, even something small like that helps us in the biggest way.”

Savannah police are currently investigating both break-ins.