NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s bright pink, hard to miss, and has been a fixture on the West Bay Street community for nearly a decade.
However, early Monday morning, the Pink Shack Restaurant and Bar became the latest target of criminals.
Two suspects broke into the family-owned business, making off with inventory, and forcing the owners to shut their doors for the day.
Owner Bernadette Kerr says her security system sounded the alarm around 3:15AM that morning.
Bernadette Kerr – Owner, Pink Shack
“There were two persons that entered the building, stole a lot of items. That would be inventory. The police response was so quickly that they only had a very small window.”
Surveillance cameras captures the suspects helping themselves to food and drinks before making their escape.
She couldn’t share the footage due to the active police investigation.
Meanwhile, even though Kerr hasn’t put a price tag on what was stolen, she says the real cost of crime goes far beyond missing inventory.
When small businesses are forced to close, it’s their employees and families who also pay the price.
Bernadette Kerr – Owner, Pink Shack
“I don’t think they look at the trickle-down effect that we have employees that are depending on us, and we must feed them, we must feed their families.”
According to Kerr, this isn’t the first time criminals have come knocking. She says a previous break-in prompted her family to step up security, installing cameras and other safety measures.
However, despite being targeted again, she refuses to let criminals drive her out of the community her husband grew up in.
Instead, she’s encouraging other small business owners to stand their ground.
Bernadette Kerr – Owner, Pink Shack
“Let’s be encouraged. They will not win, you know? And the point of the matter is we must put in place safety measures. When they come, we will be ready, and we will know who they are, and the police will get them.”
“Don’t come for us. We are prepared. Obviously, you’ve seen your face on the television. We’re just prepared.”
During the interview, Kerr got a phone call from investigators indicating two people believed to be connected to the break-in had been taken into police custody for questioning.
However, we were unable to independently confirm that information with police.
