Shop Owner Speaks Out Following Double Smash and Grab

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Two longtime businesses were left picking up the pieces after an overnight break-in on Bay Street.

Bahama Grandma Original Bahamian Gift Shop and the neighboring fashion center were both targeted.

Gift shop owner Desiree Clarke says thieves smashed through her front entrance, destroyed a display case, and stole merchandise.

Next door, the fashion center’s glass entrance was also completely shattered.

Now, both business owners are trying to recover while questioning how something like this could happen in the heart of Nassau’s busiest shopping district.

Desiree Clarke – Owner, Bahama Grandma Original Bahamian Gift Shop

“Since I’ve discovered the break in, they left with my POS system, that would contain my inventory, basically it’s the brain of my business. Everything I do business wise is in that system, so they were able to get that as well as a few other beverages and boxes…”

Clarke is still trying to process the shock of seeing years of hard work destroyed overnight.

Desiree Clarke – Owner, Bahama Grandma Original Bahamian Gift Shop

“My goodness you know, I couldn’t even imagine what could’ve happened, you know you think about everything you’ve invested in your business, the hardworking, the countless hours, the time and then somebody just comes in and destroys what you have worked so hard for…“

Clarke is hoping investigators can piece together what happened using the shop’s surveillance footage.

Beyond the damage, Clarke says the area has long struggled with safety concerns.

Desiree Clarke – Owner, Bahama Grandma Original Bahamian Gift Shop

“We do know on Bay Street, there are number of vagrants that traverse this area on a daily basis. I’ve had problems down in the past, so have other merchants.“

“…I have been told by a very reliable source that police patrols are going to pick up in this area. So it gives me hope…”