Repeat break-ins have forced an Atlanta small business owner to close her store.
Thieves broke into According to Fashion in Sweet Auburn at least seven times in 2023.
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The owner, Catrina Cousar, said the thieves had finally stolen her dream.
“It’s hurtful. It was, and it is because I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I work hard for this,” said Cousar.
She held back tears while speaking to Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco.
“They literally stole my dream here, and I have been on an emotional rollercoaster,” said Cousar.
The mother of two opened According to Fashion two years ago in the Sweet Auburn community on Decatur St. SE.
“When I chose this spot, I saw it was growing, and it was a lot of foot traffic,” said Cousar. “I just thought I could bring life to this community.”
By March of last year, thieves started leaving shattered doors, busted locks, and empty shelves in their wake.
Police dusted for prints, and by December, officers had arrested three people.