ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city of Albuquerque is working on a redevelopment plan to curb crime in one area of town, but one local business said it can’t come fast enough. A local pet supply store along Menaul near the Big-I said it was broken into this weekend.
Simply Diego’s is a local pet store that had their front door smashed in Saturday morning. KRQE spoke with the store who said this has all been a big headache.
“They smashed in the front door, and it’s going to cost a pretty penny to fix,” said Josette Watson, a store manager at Simply Diego’s Pet Store.
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A local pet store is working on repairs after someone broke in Saturday morning. Thieves reportedly threw a rock to break through the front door.
“They took, we counted, nine bags of food and the cash register,” Watson said.
The burglary comes months after the Menaul Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan was signed into law in early May. Its goal is to clean up a ten-block stretch of Menaul and bring private development to the area.
“It’s certainly welcome and needed. I think that area could use a lot of redevelopment. I think a lot of Albuquerque needs it, but we’re welcome to it, we’re waiting for it, it’s going to be good,” Watson explained.
The MRA plan will allow the city to offer financial incentives to developers to carry out plans in the area. It also promises to improve road construction, sidewalks, and lighting to help reduce crime.
“Anything that can deter them would be great. You know, no business, big or small, should have to go through this,” Watson said.
The pet store said the thieves took the cash register and hundreds of dollars in dog food. Despite the damage and stolen items, the store said they’re grateful for their customers who have reached out in support.
“It’s sad and frustrating, but we’re going to keep moving forward because what else are you going to do?” said Watson.
Simply Diego’s said they’ve filed a police report and are waiting for an estimate to fix their door. The MRA plan also outlines ideas for slowing traffic, adding public art, and even a possible dog park.
