A vandal struck multiple businesses in Old Town Albuquerque early Tuesday morning, causing damage and setting one shop on fire. The incident has left owners frustrated and concerned as they prepare for the busy Balloon Fiesta season. The Shop at Old Town in Plaza Hacienda was hit particularly hard, with doors broken in and items burnt.
“This is a sad day for all of Old Town especially as the area preps for one of their busiest times of the year,” said the shop’s owner. Nearby, Old Town Cafe had its front windows shattered, with the vandal leaving a chair sticking out of the damage. Owner Michelle Lameres received a call around 6 a.m. informing her of the incident.
“This is the third time my windows have been broken,” Lameres said. The Albuquerque Museum also had a few windows cracked by the vandal. The museum captured video of the suspect, and efforts are being made to obtain the footage.
Business owners have banded together to combat crime in the area. “We’ve really tried to educate ourselves as merchants about security concerns, whether it’s lighting or cameras.
Vandal strikes Old Town businesses
Also working with APD and the leadership to get them to respond and be aware of the issues we’re facing,” said Pete Kassetas, owner of Outpost 1706. Despite hiring private security and working with APD to increase patrols, Kassetas believes the issues go beyond policing. “We’re going to identify them, and that person is going to get arrested.
I know it, right? The question is, is that person going to be held accountable for what they’ve done here,” he said. Speaker of the House Javier Martinez released a statement, saying, “First and foremost, this comes down to enforcing the law and keeping our communities safe.
What has been occurring in Old Town is unacceptable. I have full confidence that our law enforcement officers will respond to these issues expeditiously and I have faith that our criminal justice system will hold the perpetrators accountable.”
APD responded to the incident, but there is currently no information about possible suspects or motives. Lameres is unsure how long her business will have to remain closed.
Business owners emphasize that despite these issues, they do not want to scare tourists away from the beloved neighborhood. “Just frustrated. It’s not that Old Town isn’t safe, it happens late at night or early, early in the morning,” Lameres said.
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