In a shocking incident early Tuesday morning, burglars broke into Designer Diva Resale, a nonprofit consignment store in Houston, stealing 63 expensive fur coats and causing extensive damage. The owner, Michelle Puckett, reported that the total loss, including damages, amounts to approximately $768,000.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Timing: The burglary occurred around 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday.
- Targeted Items: Thieves specifically sought out fur coats, taking 63 in total.
- Financial Impact: The estimated loss, including damages, is around $768,000.
- Community Impact: The stolen cash was intended for Hurricane Helene victims.
- Security Measures: Puckett has since upgraded her security system.
The Burglary Details
Michelle Puckett, the owner of Designer Diva Resale, was alerted by her security system in the early hours of Tuesday. Initially, she did not see anything unusual and went back to sleep. However, a call from a neighbor later revealed the devastating news that her store had been burglarized.
The thieves broke a window and bent the security bars to gain entry. Once inside, they wreaked havoc, throwing monitors, printers, and computers around the office.
The Stolen Goods
The primary target of the burglars was the store’s collection of high-end fur coats. Puckett reported that they made off with 63 furs, which are valued at a staggering amount. The total loss, including the damage to the store, is estimated at $768,000.
Additionally, the burglars stole $500 in cash donations that were meant to assist victims of Hurricane Helene, further compounding the tragedy of the incident.
Emotional Toll
Puckett expressed her deep sadness over the event, stating, "It’s very personal. I kind of wish I would have come up that night, but then no, because they could’ve had a gun, like I said, and they could have killed me, beat me up or something that."
The emotional impact of the burglary is significant, as Puckett has dedicated her life to helping others through her nonprofit. She emphasized the irony of the situation, noting that instead of seeking help, the thieves chose to destroy the lives of those trying to do good.
New Security Measures
In response to the burglary, Puckett has taken immediate action by installing a new monitored alarm system. This upgraded system features a loud alarm and backs up all video footage to an online cloud, ensuring that any future incidents can be documented and addressed more effectively.
Puckett remains hopeful that the thieves will be brought to justice, as she continues her mission to support adults living with intellectual disabilities and survivors of domestic violence through her nonprofit.
The community has rallied around Puckett, offering support and encouragement during this challenging time, highlighting the resilience of those who strive to make a positive impact in the world.
