‘We’re not going to tolerate stuff like this’; Richmond bar looks for the public help after ‘paperclip bandit’ broke in

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – A Richmond bar is looking for the public’s help finding a man they say broke into their business early Sunday morning.

A spokesperson with the Richmond Police Department confirmed detectives are investigating the break-in that occurred at the 5000 block of Forest Hill Avenue, which is where the local restaurant and bar ‘The Locker Room’ is located.

“Our space was violated by someone, and it’s not right,” said Manager Ann Marie Collins.

A security camera outside the business captured an unidentified man getting out of a car in front of the dive bar and smashing the front door with what appeared to be a hammer.

After, it appeared the man left but then he came back a few minutes later. An additional camera inside caught him heading for the register behind the bar, where he took the cash register box and left.

Collins explained why this has earned him a nickname.

“[It’s] the paperclip bandit, because it’s all he got away with, was paperclips and pennies,” Collins said.

Afterwards, a customer helped them fix the door. The business was also able to get a new register, but Collins said the whole situation has left them feeling frustrated.

“He just came into our house and just messed everything up,” Collins said.

She explained that they are looking for the public’s help to hopefully catch him.

“Being woman owned and woman ran, we’re not going to tolerate stuff like this,” Collins said. “If anybody knows anything or recognizes him, please come forward. We have a $200 cash reward, $100 gift card, and we’ll throw in some paper clips too.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Third Precinct Detective Sandlin at (804) 646-1010 or Third Precinct Detective Sergeant Pavlenko at (804) 646-1144.

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