Thieves targeted a Sacramento flower shop’s vending machine just hours before Mother’s Day weekend, leaving behind shattered glass and thousands of dollars in damage during one of the business’s busiest times of the year.For more than two decades, Everest Florist & Gifts has helped families across Sacramento celebrate life’s biggest moments, from proms and weddings to Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.“We migrated from Belarus,” owner Daniil Lapatski said.The family business first started as a discount store before eventually transitioning into a flower shop known for its European-style bouquets and arrangements.But early Saturday morning, Lapatski said he received an alert that someone had broken into the shop’s 24-hour flower vending machine. Surveillance video captured the sound of glass shattering as thieves forced their way inside.The vending machine, installed in February, was designed to allow customers to purchase flowers after hours and on Sundays when the shop is normally closed.Now, the machine sits boarded up with shattered double-paned glass and cooling issues that could put additional bouquets at risk of spoiling during the holiday rush.“The damage, I would say, probably around $5,000,” Lapatski said. “It’s devastating.”Despite the setback, the family says they still plan to remain open through Mother’s Day weekend.The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said no arrests have been made.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. —
Thieves targeted a Sacramento flower shop’s vending machine just hours before Mother’s Day weekend, leaving behind shattered glass and thousands of dollars in damage during one of the business’s busiest times of the year.
For more than two decades, Everest Florist & Gifts has helped families across Sacramento celebrate life’s biggest moments, from proms and weddings to Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
“We migrated from Belarus,” owner Daniil Lapatski said.
The family business first started as a discount store before eventually transitioning into a flower shop known for its European-style bouquets and arrangements.
But early Saturday morning, Lapatski said he received an alert that someone had broken into the shop’s 24-hour flower vending machine. Surveillance video captured the sound of glass shattering as thieves forced their way inside.
The vending machine, installed in February, was designed to allow customers to purchase flowers after hours and on Sundays when the shop is normally closed.
Now, the machine sits boarded up with shattered double-paned glass and cooling issues that could put additional bouquets at risk of spoiling during the holiday rush.
“The damage, I would say, probably around $5,000,” Lapatski said. “It’s devastating.”
Despite the setback, the family says they still plan to remain open through Mother’s Day weekend.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said no arrests have been made.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel