HORTONVILLE - Thieves put a damper on the satisfaction that followed a successful event at the Horton Ridge Malt House Jan. 20.
The Hortonville-based pub was broken into sometime in the early morning hours succeeding a well-attended Songs and Suds of the Valley event.
“Obviously they have needs for money. What those needs are and why those needs are there, that’s a different conversation,” said Alan Stewart, president of the Horton Ridge Malt & Grain Company.
“I’m assuming that they think that a business has money and they’re just taking it for their own needs, however, the climate for small business is really tough, particularly at this time of year.”
The building was accessed after a panel of glass was smashed out of the door, Stewart said.
“I think the people that did it really had no respect for property,” he said, adding that there was minimal damage done inside the building but two cars left in the parking lot overnight were vandalized.
Kings District RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelli Gaudet confirmed that police are looking for any information members of the general public might have regarding this incident.
“A cash box was stolen and a large sum of money was taken,” she said in a brief statement Jan. 23.
“It is still under investigation.”
Stewart said it was heartwarming to receive an outpouring of “genuine support” after sharing news of the break-in on the Horton Ridge Malt and Grain Co. Facebook page. He added that the overall impact on the operations of the business were minimal, with the establishment opening the day after the break-in.
The regular events the Malt House has come to be known for, including Irish music on Saturdays and trivia starting at 7 p.m. Thursdays, will continue as the company’s owners return their focus to growing their business in the Annapolis Valley.
“We are the neighbourhood pub for this area, so we’re trying to create that atmosphere,” said Stewart.
Anyone with information about the break-in and theft can call Kings District RCMP at 902-679-5555, or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text TIP202 + your message to 'CRIMES' (274637) or submit tips by Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.
