Sudbury pet rescue frustrated by latest break-in at thrift store

Security video shows a man breaking into a thrift store operated by a Sudbury animal rescue and stealing items from a jewelry case Tuesday morning.

The suspect shattered the glass in the front door of Pet Save Re'Tail' Thrift Store on Notre Dame Avenue in the Flour Mill at 5:15 a.m. Sept. 17, the video shows.

Front door of Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury was smashed in Tuesday morning by a burglar. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

The man, wearing a blue T-shirt, black shorts, running shoes and a baseball cap, is seen entering with a black bag and going immediately to a locked glass jewelry case.

He can be seen struggling to open the freestanding case as items sitting on top fall on his head and to the ground.

The suspect can then be seen kicking the glass of the case before reaching in and grabbing several white boxes inside.

He returns to the broken door to leave, having been inside for about 20 seconds.

Sudbury police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Jill Pessot, the director of the Pet Save Sudbury charity, said in a social media post about the incident she received an alarm call from the store's security company.

"I arrived at the store to find our front door smashed in and the alarm ringing," Pessot said.

The cat who lives at the store, Josie, was found safe and sound.

Josie the cat who lives at the Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

"Josie, although stressed, has become a seasoned pro at break-ins and retreated to the lower level," Pessot said.

Some of the items that were stolen include a Harley Davidson ring, a white gold chain with a diamond and amethyst pendant and gold earrings.

Silver Harley Davidson ring stolen from Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

Diamond, amethyst and white gold necklace stolen from Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

Pet Save rescues abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats from across northern Ontario and helps them find new loving homes.

The thrift store sells items donated from the community to support this work.

Pet Save's shelter is located in Lively and Pessot said 95 per cent of the organization is made up of volunteers.

"With damage and stolen goods, (the theft) cost our charity over $2,000," Pessot said.

Locked jewelry case that suspect broke into at the Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

"I don't think anyone should get away with stealing from animals."

In a phone interview with CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca on Wednesday morning, she said she is completely frustrated with the justice system.

Pessot said there is no resolution and if the burglar is arrested, he will just be back out on the street within eight hours.

"There are no repercussions for the theft problems," she said.

"Where does it end? How does it make him any better? How does it make my situation any better? We are not seeing any results."

The charity director said the members take situations like this to heart.

Volunteers clean up the broken glass caused by the break-in at the Pet Save thrift store on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury. Sept. 17, 2024 (Jill Pessot)

"Dozens of volunteers give countless hours every week to make this store a success," she said.

"The funds raised at the store give thousands of animals a second chance! Given the challenges we face daily being in the Flour Mill area, it can leave me discouraged."

She would like to see a task force created to deal with the theft problem.