Velarde has been in business for 16 years and says her business has collapsed five times in the past few years.
“It’s just a shame,” she said.
In this latest burglary, the suspect stole printers, phones, work tools, and even the store’s van.
“It’s Valentine’s Day and that’s when we really need him,” Velarde said.
Velarde installed new security cameras and repaired any damage from those burglaries with her own money, which has added up over the years.
“Right now over $10,000, easy,” she said.
Velarde stopped reporting the dips to the insurance company, fearing it would put her in a worse situation.
“The last few times I haven’t reported it to my insurance because it wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I’m worried they’ll drop me and what happens if I burn?”
This way of thinking is widespread. Jamie Young, a restaurant owner, says he’s not reporting to insurance for the same reason, even after experiencing five burglaries in the past year and a half.
“It’s just out of control,” Young said.
An insurance expert told KOB 4 it was a real concern. If a company makes multiple claims on their insurance over a period of time, their insurance costs will either increase by 10% to 25% or they will not be able to renew their insurance.
Despite the cost, Velarde says she’s not giving up.
“We have to keep going,” she said. “I won’t let that stop me.”
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