News Summary
Multiple businesses in Stark County, particularly in Canton, have suffered vandalism and break-ins. Alarmed early in the morning, establishments like Darting Around and Anomaly were attacked, along with several others in nearby plazas. Police are investigating the incidents, assisted by potential leads from surveillance footage. Business owners express concern over safety and security following these disturbances, pushing for justice and preventive measures to avoid future crimes.
Canton, Ohio – An early morning wave of vandalism and break-ins across Stark County has left multiple businesses reeling as police agencies investigate at least six incidents reported on Wednesday. The disturbances primarily occurred at two adjacent plazas in Canton, located near the intersection of 30th Street N.W. and Cleveland Avenue.
Just before 2 a.m., alarm systems at the Darting Around and Anomaly businesses in the 30th Street Plaza alerted Canton police, signaling the start of a series of criminal activities in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered that both establishments had sustained significant damage, including broken windows and glass doors caused by vandalism.
Directly across the street at the adjacent North Plaza, alarms signaled problems at several other businesses, including Elegant Nails, Dr. Trips Travel, and Hairs to You Salon, which were also affected by reports of break-ins and vandalism around the same early hours. Most businesses reported damage to windows and doors, tampering of cash register drawers, and some cash boxes either missing or damaged. In one case, a business had reportedly left a key in the cash register, but investigators noted that it did not appear to have been accessed.
During the investigation, it was revealed that several of the affected businesses lacked surveillance cameras that might have captured evidence of the break-ins. However, Canton police are hopeful that they have identified the suspect through nearby bank camera footage, which potentially recorded an individual matching the suspect’s description. Officers further noted that as they were investigating, they might have seen the suspect walking away from the scene.
To aid in the investigation, a Canton police K-9 was deployed to trace the scent from the break-ins, leading officers back towards the assisted living facility parking lot behind the 30th Street Plaza. Unfortunately, the K-9 lost the scent, and no arrests have been made as of the report’s publication.
In response to the vandalism, the affected businesses have taken immediate action by boarding up their broken windows and doors. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Stark County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a separate break-in at the French Tip Nails Salon located at 2844 Whipple Avenue N.W. in Plain Township, where the front window was smashed. However, further details regarding this incident are not fully disclosed at this time.
Concerns are also rising in Jackson Township, where local police have been contacted regarding potential break-ins in the Belden Village area, suggesting that the vandalism wave might be more widespread. Business owners in the Canton area expressed frustration with the situation, noting that some had cash drawers removed that contained only spare change. Many are anxious about the potential for ongoing break-ins and are eager for the responsible party to be apprehended.
Adding to the investigation, a pet shop named Whiskers Wings and Wild Things reportedly captured video footage of a possible vandal wearing a hoodie. This individual was seen walking outside the shops prior to breaking the glass, providing another potential lead for investigators.
Business owners collectively emphasize their hope for justice in the face of the vandalism and are urging for increased measures to ensure the safety and security of their establishments going forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Multiple Businesses Targeted in Overnight Break-Ins and Vandalism Across Stark County, Ohio
Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- Canton Repository
- News 5 Cleveland
- WKYC News
- Wikipedia: Vandalism
- Google Search: Stark County Crime Prevention
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
