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BREAK-IN | Wealthy Street Bakery broken into early Thursday

The owner said previously people would steal cash from their tip jars, but he wishes they would simply ask for help instead.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Wealthy Street Bakery was broken into early Thursday morning, according to the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD).

Andy Havemeier, owner of Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery, said he and his wife were in Kalamazoo when he got the call around 5:45 a.m. that someone had broken in.

GRPD said officers responded to the break-in around 7:10 a.m.

According to Havemeier, the third-shift baker had already left and the morning crew had not come in yet, so no one was injured when it happened. 

Havemeier said while it appears the suspect looked around, nothing was taken. 

"Besides the damage and the headache and the lost business this morning, it could definitely have been worse, but it's not ideal," Andy Havemeier said. 

He's lived in Grand Rapids for his entire life and said he's already received texts and Facebook messages from all over the community, asking if there were ways they could help or saying they were glad no one was hurt. 

Havemeier said previously people would steal cash from their tip jars, but he wishes they would simply ask for help instead of resorting to breaking in or stealing. 

"I feel like if somebody is in that much of a need, there's a lot of local organizations that will help you in a lot of different ways," Andy Havemeier said. "Or even if they just came to me and asked, that might be better than breaking my window."

The bakery reopened Thursday afternoon after spending the entire morning boarding up broken windows, glass and debris.

“Ultimately, we know that we have a huge backing and really loyal, kind, appreciative, generous customers that we're really excited to continue serving,” Ashley Havemeier said.

There has been a string of burglaries at businesses on Wealthy Street, but the bakery is just thankful for the community’s support before, during and after the break-in.

“I immediately got texts, and we got Facebook messages from a bunch of people and just asking if we needed any help, or how everything good or bad was going, but happy that we're okay, glad that everything was okay and not any worse,” Andy Havemeier said.

The couple is keeping a positive attitude after the incident and is happy to be back open.

"You just gotta keep rolling with the punches, figure it out as you go, and yeah, just keep presenting a good product at a good price and that's all we can do," Andy Havemeier said. "We're a part of this community and we'll do everything we can to keep everybody safe and all their businesses thriving, too. We all support each other."

Wealthy Street Bakery is focused on serving its loyal customers some of their favorite pastries. And its owner has a message for the person responsible:

“If somebody is in that much of a need, there's a lot of local organizations that will help you in a lot of different ways, or even if they just came to me and asked that might be better than breaking my window,” Andy said. We've had amazing community support, I have a great team here that took care of a lot of stuff while I was hustling back from Kalamazoo to get here to go through the next steps.”

The bakery also asked that if any neighbors or residents have information or video footage to call 616-699-5435 or email info@wealthystreetbakery.com. 

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