Second Reported Break-In Could Force Local Bird Shop to Close, Owner Says

Owner says a second reported break-in has pushed the shop to the brink

OILDALE, Calif. — A local bird-store owner who is already battling cancer says she may be forced to close after a second reported break-in left her business with a shattered front window and severely damaged glass entrance door.

For The Birds and More, a specialty bird store located at 812 Norris Road, serves local bird owners with food, supplies, grooming and boarding services.

During an in-person interview conducted at the business, owner Anneliese told What’s the Scoop With Broach that this is the second time her store has been targeted. She said she cannot afford to continue paying for repairs every time the business is damaged.

Photographs taken by B. Roach during the on-location interview show a large hole in the storefront window, extensive cracking across the glass entrance door and efforts underway to temporarily board the damaged window.

The damage comes during an especially difficult period in her life. Anneliese shared during the interview that she is currently fighting cancer while also trying to keep the business operating.

Read the source: B. Roach's September 7 on-location interview and original photographs ↗

Anneliese says she has been denied stronger storefront protection

Anneliese also expressed frustration with the owner and management of the business center where she leases space. According to Anneliese, the property owner has not provided the security she believes the center needs. She also said she has not been permitted to install protective security cages or grilles across the front of her business.

Those statements represent Anneliese’s account of the situation. The property owner’s position was not available for this initial report.

Anneliese described the person believed to be responsible for the latest damage as unhoused. However, that person’s housing status and whether substance use played any role have not been independently confirmed.

She is calling on Kern County officials, law enforcement and property owners to take stronger action to protect local businesses while addressing the broader problems of homelessness and addiction affecting the surrounding community.

Read the source: For The Birds and More: official Instagram account ↗

How the community can help

Anneliese is willing to accept community assistance toward repairing the store’s door and front window. Anyone interested in helping should contact For The Birds directly through Instagram at @forthebirds_bakersfield_ or call 661-589-8989.

Anyone with information about the incident is also encouraged to contact For The Birds through its Instagram account or telephone number.

What’s the Scoop With Broach is not collecting or processing donations. Community members should make arrangements directly with the business through its verified contact information.

Read the source: For The Birds and More: official Facebook page and contact information ↗

Other local businesses are invited to speak out

Small-business owners cannot be expected to repeatedly absorb costly damage while receiving little assistance or protection. For businesses such as For The Birds, another broken window or damaged door could mean the difference between remaining open and closing permanently.

Is your Kern County business experiencing repeated vandalism, break-ins or similar security problems? What’s the Scoop With Broach invites local business owners to reach out through the publication’s contact page and share their stories.

This report is based on an in-person interview conducted by B. Roach at For The Birds and More. All three photographs were taken on location by B. Roach. The story will be updated if law enforcement, the property owner or other verifiable records establish additional facts.

Read the source: 23ABC: 2022 report on a separate burglary at the business's former location ↗