Burglars steal jerseys after tearing door off Windsor sports store

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The owner of Windsor’s Bob Reaume Sports alleges two burglars broke into his store this week by using a vehicle to yank the front door off its hinges at the east-side business.

Bob Reaume, who has operated the store for 43 years, told the Star he arrived early Monday morning to find the damage left behind in gaining access to the property and valuable merchandise gone.

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“The police told me, they said (the suspects have) obviously done this before,” Reaume said. “Not their first rodeo.”

In two posts on Facebook following Monday’s burglary, the public is asked “for your help to bring these two people to justice.”

Video and photos were posted showing what appear to be two suspects in a Ford Escape arriving at the retail sports store in the 5400 block of Tecumseh Road East, around 5:45 a.m.

Something is shown being attached to the back of the vehicle and then the front door of the store to pull it open and gain entry.

“They stole all of our jerseys and more in less than two minutes,” the post said. This crime has been reported to police, but we ask you for any information you might have to help us catch these criminals.

“We appreciate all your help in this extremely upsetting matter!”

Reaume said he spent about 20 hours at the store Monday reaching out to suppliers and trying to find replacement stock for the stolen items. The burglary came just days after Bob Reaume Sports announced on Facebook: “The new #TeamCanada #jerseys have arrived!”

Reaume said thousands of dollars worth of jersey were taken so he needs to restock as quickly as possible to meet demand from holiday shoppers.

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“Got a hold of the companies that we would need some product from,” he said of his long, busy Monday.

“Have them send me what’s available, piece it all together and whatnot and send (the order) in to them.

“Some of the stuff, there’s not a lot of it available this close to Christmas. So it’s kind of pick and choose and see what you can put together.”

Reaume said this has been easily the worst experience in his many years in business.

“(I) appreciate the people who have reached out to us,” he said Tuesday. “That’s been nice.

“You just — day to day — start a new one today.”

Windsor police confirmed the break and enter Tuesday but would not release any further details, saying they are “actively investigating.”

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