Robbers Target Budding Entrepreneur in Belize City
Entrepreneur Tanya Leslie’s new business, Brandy and Cris Shop in Belize City, was targeted by burglars just before Christmas on two separate occasions. Thieves entered through the ceiling, stealing tools and merchandise worth more than three thousand dollars. Despite setbacks, Leslie says that she remains determined to open her shop in February and achieve success as an entrepreneur. Hipolito Novelo has the story.
Hipolito Novelo, Reporting
Tanya Leslie
Tanya Leslie, Entrepreneur
“I decided that I wanted to do my own business because I find that working for people is not my thing. My thing is just sell my food which I was doing before. I go to the streets. I go to call centre and sell my food. But I wanted a steady post. So I decided to do the shop.”
Belize City resident Tanya Leslie recently completed training in entrepreneurship. She then registered her business, Brandy and Cris Shop, located on Santa Barbara Street in Belize City. Her plan was to open for business in February, but just before Christmas Day, thieves targeted her shop—not once but twice.
Tanya Leslie
“They came through the ceiling. They stole a case of beer. A case of stout. My brand new weed whacker. My chain saw. My skill saw and my hammer drill. The value of the tools was about three thousand dollars. The first time they came they came through the ceiling.”
That was the Saturday, and then they returned on Sunday for the Christmas ham and about three hundred dollars worth of groceries.
Tanya Leslie
“And they came back the next day for the ham. Unfortunately, we nailed up back there so this time they came from through the front. When they came from through the front our dogs barked. We saw someone in the yard and when they probably saw we got up that’s they went. And its surprising because they came and thief three hundred dollars in groceries just before Christmas.”
And thieves have been busy this holiday. In Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek, security cameras captured the moment when two thieves attempted to break into KeyStore. One had his face concealed, the other didn’t. In San Pablo Village, Orange Walk, a notice was sent to residents to be on the lookout for thieves who targeted Jay’s Store. In Ladyville, a Heritage Bank ATM was ripped from the building.
Police are advising residents to be alert to their surroundings. Meanwhile, Leslie wants her property to be returned.
Tanya Leslie
“I would want to thief if they can please bring back my items or if any would see anything to alert me. The CIB came over. The scenes of crime came over to do the inspections and they said they would get back to me. Unfortunately it was a holiday and I am still waiting for answers. Accordingly, the second time they came because we called the police and the police said that there were two individual walking that side and with that said I don’t know if they hold them or they have them but I would like an update from the CIB as well.”
And as 2024 nears, Leslie says she will remain optimistic and determined to achieve success.
Tanya Leslie
“They stole the tools that I was using for the shop. So I don’t know how long now it will take to finish. I will push as hard I could because this is what I want to do. I would push to become a successful entrepreneur as I had in my dream. And yes the shop will be open in February. I will try to make the effort to push it. But I will push by the grace of god. Yes I will push to succeed my business.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.
