Suburban Store Owner Amazed by Customers' Reaction to Theft

The owner of a suburban HobbyTown said he was ready to give up after burglars broke into his store and stole thousands of dollars in merchandise this month, but he was quickly surprised with what happened the day after the theft.

Burglars targeted the HobbyTown in Schaumburg last week, stealing an estimated $5,000 in merchandise in less than two minutes. 

Owner Glen McDade said he was notified of the theft and arrived to find drones, remote control trucks and planes, even flight simulators, all missing.

“Oh my heart sank,” he said. “I was devastated.”

McDade shared his heartbreak in a Facebook post, saying “this is the end of my career in Hobbytown.” 

But by the end of the day, customers had come to McDade’s aid.

One customer bought him and his employees pizza and beer and another arrived to help reinforce the store’s back door, which had been damaged in the break-in. 

“It made me have faith in humanity again,” he said. 

McDade said while he won’t forget the break-in anytime soon, the love from his loyal customers has given him a reason to stay in business. 

“I just felt, there is good people in this world,” he said. “You know, you hear all the bad things in the world and there are so many people who stand behind you. It was wonderful.” 

Schaumburg police said the burglary remains under investigation. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday.

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