An East Bay model train store already trying to stay open during the COVID-19 crisis is dealing with yet another obstacle.
Concord’s Just Trains is reeling from a break-in burglary early Tuesday morning. Owner Jim Anthony said his store alarm went off at 4:15 a.m. as thieves allegedly threw a large rock through his front glass door to enter the store, then went for the display case.
"They targeted the highest-end case in the store and avoided other easily sellable things in general like laptop computers," Anthony said.
KCBS Radio had profiled Just Trains' struggles during the coronavirus pandemic earlier this month.
Most of the model train pieces that were stolen are made of brass and valued at $10,000 to $15,000. About 20 to 30 HP scale model locomotives and other rolling stock were taken from the shelves.
Anthony told KCBS Radio it appears the thieves knew what to look for, but carelessly handled the items.
"When they took it out of the case, they were not handling it in a delicate way like they understood the true value and why it has that value," Anthony said.
The store has been open by appointment only during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anthony said he feels taken advantage of while already trying to make ends meet.
"We have rent to pay and now we have extra bills," Anthony said. "It makes you question a lot of things. Financially, we have insurance to cover things, but emotionally, it's hard."
Anthony expects repairs and replacements to cost him thousands of dollars.
Customers and hobbyists across the country are now pitching in to help Just Trains stay in business.
"One gentleman out of the blue sent us a PayPal payment of $200 just to help out," Anthony said. "Every little bit helps."
No arrests have been made.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.