Spokane coffee shop owner calls for increased city safety measures after string of thefts

SPOKANE, Wash. - A Spokane coffee shop is calling for more safety in the city following a theft on Wednesday afternoon.

Aaron Rivkin, the owner of Ladder Coffee, said a man stole money, valuables behind the counter, and even approached a customer.

"It's unfortunate that in Spokane we are just getting familiarized with crime," Rivkin said. "We are just getting okay with it."

Rivkin said this is the fourth time his business had been targeted by thieves. He said this emerging pattern is disheartening.

"We work hard as business owners to be create spaces for the community, and getting robbed is just a violation of both personal and staff," he said.

Kylee Monroe is a regular at the coffee shop. She said she was surprised to hear what happened.

"It is a shame," she said. "I don't know why they would take advantage of a coffee shop."

Rivkin expressed his frustrations over a lack of action from the city and urges officials to make Spokane feel safe again.

"The criminals who are doing these acts are getting away with it because they know there are no repercussions for their actions," Rivkin said.

Mayor Lisa Brown's office responded to the theft with a statement. You can read the full statement below:

It is always terrible when someone becomes a victim of crime, and Mayor Brown acknowledges that criminal activity also places a tremendous burden on small, local businesses. The Mayor appreciates and agrees with calls for improved community safety investments because it is imperative that we have the resources within the Spokane Police Department to respond when people call for help. Mayor Brown is working to secure those investments even as the City of Spokane grapples with its budget constraints.

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