Arlington business undaunted following break-in just days after opening in park

ARLINGTON, Wash. — An Arlington business, that has pledged to give back to the community said it’s undaunted and won’t be discouraged after an overnight break-in just days after opening in Haller Park along with a new splash pad.

"To have something irritating and something like this put a kink in our business to start – a little frustrating,” said Mike Simpson, an Arlington business owner who helps run the Stilly Snack Shack.

Simpson said someone pried open a covered, locked window at the concession stand. That person then reached inside and stole an iPad and cash register with about $200 inside, according to Simpson.

The stand was temporarily closed Tuesday because of the break-in.

An Arlington city spokesperson told KIRO 7 the break-in overnight Monday was not captured on surveillance video. Simpson said police recovered the stolen iPad Tuesday.

The concession stand, which opened Friday along with a new splash pad, is part of a reimagined Haller Park that’s been years in the making.

"It's a complete transformation from what it used to be,” said Simpson. “For many, many years, this park was rundown and really not a place that anybody wanted to bring a family."

Simpson said the park was packed with families on Memorial Day.

“It was a theme park atmosphere; kids playing around, eating ice cream, enjoying their families and their time together,” said Simpson. “We want to keep that environment.”

The Stilly Snack Shack, which pledges 10 percent of its proceeds to a local food bank, said the break-in wasn’t the warmest of welcomes to the park but its management remains undaunted.

"Businesses can't pack up and run,” said Simpson. “We need to be involved in the conversation of how do we solve this problem; that's what we're here to do."

The city and business said additional security measures have been added with more, including security cameras, on the way.

Contact police with any information related to the break-in.

Cox Media Group