Windows smashed on family-owned coffee shop in Hamilton for third time

The owner of a local coffee shop in Hamilton says her business has been hit by vandals for the third time in six months.

House of Java on James St. South had its windows smashed Thursday night.

The business posted images of the broken panes of glass on its Facebook page Friday morning with the caption, “No Words.”

This is the third time the family business has been targeted by vandals this year. Owner Laurie Clifford said her store isn’t the only one on James St. that has experienced this type of property damage.

“The book store down the street had the same occurrence. Four windows in three nights,” said Clifford.

She says a suspect was arrested in connection with those incidents but quickly released and the book store was damaged again.

“Whoever is doing these acts of vandalism they have no repercussions. No consequences. So there is no deterrent for them,” she added.

A GoFundMe page created by Clifford’s sister says the business has been in Hamilton for over 50 years and was fortunate enough to survive the pandemic only to experience this damage.

“It’s been very trying and overwhelming for them as you can imagine. Today after having the second window replaced just two days ago, a young man came by the store and smashed the opposite window with a pipe. So three windows smashed and funds are limited now,” reads a post on the page.

It says the most recent act of vandalism left the family “deflated.”

The community rallied around the shop and donated $4,895 in just three days which surpassed the initial fundraising goal.

“Our family is overwhelmed by the donations. We have more than surpassed our goal and want to personally thank everyone for their love and support,” reads an update on the GoFundMe page. “We have stopped donations at this time and our faith has been restored – thanks to each and every one of you!”

Clifford says police haven’t been able to offer any advice on how to help prevent these acts of vandalism.

She is hopeful more will be done to help protect small businesses from incidents like this happening in the future.