Agland Responds To Break-Ins
In a span of a week, the two Agland Co-op stores in Wolf Point were broken into three times.
The break-ins aren’t unique for the stores as the most current incidents bring the total of such crimes to 14 since 2015 at the Wolf Point locations.
But what could be considered unique though is the commitment that Agland’s officials have in wanting their stores to be welcoming to visitors of Wolf Point. Store leaders aren’t looking at putting bars on their windows.
“We’re trying to make this town look nice,” David Williams, general manager, said. “We don’t want tourists to see a boarded up door. We want people to stop in this town.”
Rather than making the stores and the community less attractive, store officials are hoping that area residents can help decrease the criminal offenses. Agland is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. If you have such information, call the Wolf Point Police Station at 406-653-1093.
The break-ins have been costly for the Agland stores. Williams said expenses connected to the crimes have resulted in losses of more than $60,000. Those costs have included materials, construction and product. It doesn’t include the loss of sale due to store closure and inhouse labor costs. Robert Toavs, president of the board, notes that the about 2,000 area shareowners also suffer when these losses occur because there’s less profit.
“It doesn’t only hurt Agland but all our stakeholders,” Toavs said. “This is profit loss that isn’t handed down to our patrons.”
Agland plans to spend about $30,000 to update security measures such as updating alarms, removing some of the glass windows or putting up a mesh screens to deter vandals.
“How many smaller businesses can sustain this financial hit,” Williams said. “It has gotten to the point of time where we have to do something. We’re trying to do the right thing.”
They are hopeful that the perpetrators face consequences down the line.
Of the 12 instances prior to last week, only one individual has been prosecuted and ordered to pay restitution.
Williams said the Agland has appreciated the work done by the Wolf Point Police Department, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and tribal police. They realize that officers can’t be everywhere.
Williams, however, was concerned that a 911 dispatch call last week had law enforcement go to the wrong Agland address.
“That could cost a life not property,” he noted.
He added that all of the breakins have been happening between midnight and 4 a.m. He encourages people to keep their eyes out for suspicious behavior.
“We’re hoping more people get involved and call,” Williams said.
