Crystal Collins, owner of Oak Electric, a woman-owned business in Lincoln, has faced two vandalism incidents this year. The most recent occurred on Thursday at around 3:30 a.m. when two vans were broken into, resulting in damages that are yet to be estimated. This incident comes just 96 days after another break-in that cost an estimated $20,000 in damages.
Collins expressed her shock over the repeated vandalism and the toll it has taken on her business. Despite some tools being recovered, the impact goes beyond just the monetary loss. The vans are essential for Oak Electric to provide services to customers, and the break-ins have disrupted their ability to maintain their schedule. This means that customers have to be rescheduled, causing inconvenience and potential financial loss. Additionally, the employees are also affected by the vandalism. Collins highlighted the difficult decisions she has to make, such as sending employees home unpaid or paying them for the day without recovering the lost revenue.
The repeated vandalism has not only affected the business financially but has also created significant disruptions in operations and employee compensation. After one of the neighbors alerted the police, 42-year-old Tyler Orr was quickly arrested on suspicion of vandalism and larceny from a motor vehicle. The exact cost of the damages from the most recent break-in is not yet known.
In conclusion, Oak Electric’s repeated vandalism incidents have had a significant impact on its operations and employees’ compensation. The business owner must make tough decisions while dealing with these incidents and hopes that justice will be served soon for her business and community members alike.
