BROCKTON — While fireworks lit the night air on the Fourth of July, a suspect broke into Charming Closet, a local clothing boutique on Main Street in Brockton — which was robbed for the second time in a week.
Just a few days prior, on Wednesday, June 28, the boutique was robbed of all the money in the register, but the suspect left the clothing untouched.
This time around, the outcome was much different.
Large quantities of clothing and a POS system are missing.
“You can see very clearly on the cameras they broke the door with a can. It’s sad. I don’t know what’s wrong with people. It’s so disappointing,” owner Jacinta Monteiro said.
Second robbery in a week
“The Brockton Police responded to 222 Main Street on Wednesday (July 5, 2023) to investigate a break-in that occurred at that location. It’s the second time the store Charming Closet was broken into,” Brockton Police spokesperson Darren Duarte said Thursday.
It’s unclear if the two robberies are in any way connected.
More: ‘I feel invaded’: Brockton boutique robbed in broad daylight across from courthouse
What happened during the second robbery?
Monteiro’s neighbor discovered the forced entry that happened sometime overnight.
Inside the store, cameras caught the suspect breaking the front window with an object and then jumping through the door panel.
They are also seen carrying out large boxes of clothing while concealing their face behind a duck mask.
The two robberies back-to-back have caused a financial and emotional toll on the owner.
“I’m frustrated,” Monteiro said.
Charming Closet is Monteiro’s slice of heaven on earth, a place where her ideas and love for fashion can roam free.
“I feel invaded. They invaded my personal space, my small little sanctuary. It’s frustrating that someone came into my business and did that,” Monteiro said after the first robbery.
With each break-in, she feels more worried about her safety and the longevity of the boutique.
Overcoming adversity Years of hard work got Brockton native out of shelter
Will Charming Closet close down for good?
Currently, the boutique is closed and will remain closed. Monteiro plans to continue selling her items online and selling as much merchandise as she can in the meantime and then putting the rest in storage.
“Mentally, I’m not okay. I’m not in a good space right now. I’m a little afraid. Maybe it’s a sign. People nowadays don’t care. It’s scary,” Monteiro said.
If anyone has information about the case, they are asked to call Brockton Police at 508-941-0200.
