Portage restaurant owner 'frustrated' after latest smash-and-grab
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A shattered front window is seen at Tornado’s Restaurant and Lounge in [City], Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The business was broken into for the third time in nine months, with the intruder making off with two cases of beer.
A shattered front window is seen at Tornado’s Restaurant and Lounge in Portage la Prairie, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The business was broken into for the third time in nine months, with the intruder making off with two cases of beer. Facebook/Tornado's Restaurant and Lounge
A Portage restaurant owner is dealing with a third break-in in the past nine months after a front window was smashed early Wednesday morning.
Tornado's Restaurant and Lounge owner Jan Verwey says the culprit made off with two cases of beer.
"We do have 20 cameras inside and outside of the building," noted Verwey. "I received a notification immediately when the window was broken, cops were notified, and I was there within 5 minutes. The intruder was dressed all in dark clothing with his face covered. This is their full time “job”, they seem to know what to do."
A photo of the rock used to smash the front window at Tornado's Restaurant and Lounge around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Facebook/Tornado's Restaurant and Lounge
The break-ins have left Verwey feeling "frustrated" with the situation.
"I think it keeps happening because the degenerates that steal, don’t get caught," she remarked. "And if they get caught, nothing happens to them."
The culprit destroyed computers during the break-in. Facebook/Tornado's Restaurant and Lounge
Verwey says crime has gotten significantly worse in the last 5 years, citing factors such as drugs and "lack of human decency/compassion".
RCMP continue to investigate.
Window repairs taking place early Wednesday morning. Facebook/Tornado's Restaurant and LoungeA sheet of plywood covers the window which was smashed early Wednesday morning. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
