The two back doors at Bocian Jewellers were shattered around 7 a.m. on March 31. (Submitted Photo/Alex Bocian)

By Derek Craddock

JEWELLERY BREAK IN

‘Big changes need to be done’: P.A. business owner frustrated after third break-in in six months

Mar 31, 2023 | 2:00 PM

A local business owner is lost for words and beyond frustrated after another break-in at his downtown jewellery store.

Just after 7:00 a.m. Friday, Alex Bocian, the owner of Bocian Jewellers said security cameras notified them of a break-in at the business. The back doors were shattered and two showcases inside were smashed with various rings, pendants and other jewellery stolen.

One of the showcases damaged in the March 31 break in. (Submitted Photo/Alex Bocian)

It’s not the first time Alex and his family have dealt with an incident like this, as two break-ins happened within weeks of each other last September.

On Sept. 7, thieves entered the property and then broke three showcases, stealing around 77 watches, many of which Alex said have been posted to Facebook and other online marketplaces.

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A showcase featuring watches that was broken into on Sept. 7, 2022. (Submitted Photo/Alex Bocian)

Thieves again targeted his business just a couple of weeks later when they threw a stone to break a window and enter the property. causing more damage and stealing more jewellery.

A shot of the stone used to break a window in late September at Bocian Jewellers. (Submitted Photo/Alex Bocian)

Alex said he would normally not go public with these incidents but as it has happened three times in the last six months, he said he can’t stay silent anymore.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said. “They (police) just pick them up and the next day, they are out doing the same thing. Big changes need to be done. I can’t do nothing but hope that the police and the city can do more.”

The insurance premiums and costs of dealing with the damage to his business continue to rise with each break-in, which only adds to the frustration.

“The worst thing is the destruction of property. It’s not as easy to find glass like that so we have to wait two to four weeks to get it fixed.”

Despite his property taxes rising every year, Bocian doesn’t believe the city is doing anything with the increase to help with crime, especially in the downtown.

paNOW was given a tour of the damage in the store and was also shown the back of the property where garbage and junk has piled up near the dumpster. Alex said there are some days he and his employees can’t get into their own parking lot because the garbage has blocked their way. Crews can’t even get to the dumpster for the weekly pickup.

A look at the dumpster behind Bocian Jewellers on March 31, 2023. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Alex is hoping the city helps clean up that mess and does more to protect himself and other downtown business owners.

paNOW has reached out to the City of Prince Albert for comment.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow