Manar Rahall converted the building at the corner of 107th Avenue and 101st Street into a barber training school, but said crime in the area has steadily worsened since it opened in 2015. “Unfortunately we have now dealt with 46 burglaries here at the academy. This past Labor Day weekend was the worst we’ve ever seen,” Rahall said. “It’s exhausting — really exhausting.”
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He said the latest burglary resulted in about $150,000 in theft and damage. Story continues below ad The business was closed for a week for repairs and cleaning. “They destroyed the place. Our reception was in ruins, the windows were broken. We had broken desks and walls everywhere. We had every laptop, computer, all of our students’ tools removed from their stations,” Rahall said. 5:31 How Downtown Edmonton Businesses Are Addressing Core Security Concerns How Downtown Edmonton Businesses Are Addressing Core Security Concerns – May 31, 2022 On Monday morning, some of the windows were still broken and the door still needed repair. “Every morning you walk in and my only thought is, ‘Did it happen again?’” Rahall said. “A business owner should think about the business and not worry about whether or not they will infringe again.” Two years ago, Rahall said she was robbed outside after working late. This latest break-in has her considering moving. Story continues below ad
Read more: Sohi outlines city’s efforts to make Edmonton safer, reiterates plea for help from province
“It’s the safety of our staff and students and unfortunately that’s something I can’t control,” he said. “My neighbors down the block, the only option they’re looking at is moving, and it shouldn’t be the only option.” 1:46 Edmonton’s Chinatown community is fed up with crime, vandalism: ‘No one feels safe’ Edmonton’s Chinatown community is fed up with crime, vandalism: ‘No one feels safe’ – January 22, 2022 On Monday, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi was asked about crime in the area. He said resources are being spent to improve security in the area. “We are creating the Healthy Streets initiative. We have provided more funding for private insurance for businesses. We do more alley and street cleaning and pick up more trash and needles,” Sohi said.
Read more: Sohi outlines city’s efforts to make Edmonton safer, reiterates plea for help from province
Story continues below ad On Aug. 15, the city council also approved $15 million over two years to fund the Healthy Streets Business Center, located in Chinatown, the mayor previously said. This money will increase the presence and visibility of police officers, peace officers, fire officers, community safety liaisons, housing providers and agency workers deployed in the area. 2:03 Edmonton City Council votes to cover costs of city’s security plan after Chinatown murders Edmonton City Council votes to cover costs of city’s security plan after Chinatown murders – August 15, 2022 Related News © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
