Business Owner Asks ‘Wolf Point, What Happened?’

After experiencing several cases of vandalism and theft at his business, Wolf Point’s Steve Harada says something needs to change not for his sake but for the benefit of the entire community. “Wolf Point, what happened?” he asks.

“The reason they do it is nobody holds them accountable,” said Harada, the owner of Steve’s Auto & Stuff “It’s hard to stay in business.”

He has been in business for nearly 10 years. During the past three or so years, he has suffered about $30,000 in losses through theft or vandalism.

“Things have progressively gotten worse during the last five years,” Harada said. “I was raised in Wolf Point. You didn’t have to lock your door and worry if your home or business would be demolish. Wolf Point used to be a nice town. I want it to be a nice town again.”

The latest act of vandalism at his business was someone slashing a tire on Harada’s snowplow last week. It was the second time that a tire was slashed on that vehicle.

Other incidents have included someone breaking in through a window about four years ago. That individual actually was caught by law enforcement.

“I was told I would see restitution, but I never got a penny,” Harada said.

In addition, numerous other tires have been slashed, 10-12 windshields have been smashed, LED lights have been stolen and several back and side car windows have been broken. A classic pickup was also stolen off his lot.

Harada feels the attitudes of some parents/guardians need to change and the court system must improve in order for less criminal incidents to decrease in Wolf Point.

“We need to fix a little bit at a time, but we have to start somewhere,” Harada said. “The accountability and discipline needs to start at home.”