Community rallies behind robbed local businesses, perpetrators come clean
The two perpetrators, entering Hirvonen Hall.
Around 3:30 AM on Friday, two men entered the Hirvonen building in Hancock on the Quincy Green through a door left unsecured. The pair stole “a felonious amount” of items from businesses on the 4th floor, according to Hancock police.
The building’s security cameras caught clear footage of the two men. When the businesses involved acquired permission from the Hancock Police to release the images on social media later that afternoon, the pictures spread online like wildfire through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, notably garnering over 300 shares on Facebook in just a few hours.
The perpetrators turned themselves in, returned the stolen goods, and fully reimbursed the business owners for expenses lost later that day. The men were identified as a graduating Tech student and his friend from out-of-state.
Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu reported that a fridge, a cash register containing cash, and a desk chair were stolen. They also reported that the robbers busted their glass jars of Living Proof Kombucha.
One of the perpetrators taking Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu’s cash register.
Studio Alchemy reported that over $1,800 worth of products: handmade herbal products, tinctures, bombs, and facial serums, were stolen.
Superior School of Dance reported a stolen microphone.
“It's just such an insane feeling,” said Natasha Kentala, owner of Studio Alchemy. “We've worked so hard for something, and then having somebody come and violate that so nonchalantly, so easily. It’s really painful.”
The incident comes as a shock to the Keweenaw community, where community members report “leaving the door unlocked or the car running to get groceries”. According to bestplaces.net, the property crime rate in Hancock is 19.3, which is significantly lower than the national average of 35.4.
Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu owner and head instructor Stan Myaskovsky said the incident will make them come back stronger. Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu is offering one month of free training for new members as a thank-you to the community that rallied behind them.
Superior School of Dance will debut its upcoming recital “Video Games” on Saturday, May 18. Buy tickets.
Studio Alchemy resumes classes and has many events in store for May.
