Following theft, Angels in the Attic fundraises for new security cameras
MISHAWAKA, Ind.--- The local nonprofit Angels in the Attic is raising funds to increase security at their Mishawaka warehouse after a man stole the organization's Ring doorbell camera last week.
ABC57 obtained the video from the Ring camera before it went offline. The camera was stolen on May 24th, just before midnight. In the video, you can see the suspect approach the warehouse door, located behind the Town and Country Plaza, and open the mailbox, which was empty. Then, the suspect can be heard saying, "I'll take that," before the camera is removed from the wall and the footage stops.
26-year-old Donte Cotton is now behind bars, suspected of being the thief.
Angels in the Attic Founder Kristine Kuroski said it left the nonprofit's volunteers, many survivors themselves, shaken and wondering if it was a targeted incident.
Angels in the Attic works to help those in domestic violence situations escape their abusers, connect with resources, and start over.
After the theft, Kuroski said she decided that it's time for an overall security upgrade at the warehouse. She is now asking the community for donations to make that happen, setting a $2,000 goal.
ABC57's Annie Kate caught up with Kuroski on Tuesday while she was on the road, traveling, and meeting with organizations similar to hers. She said she is focusing on the positive, which is the community support that's flooded in.
"The beautiful thing is that the community showed so strong for Angels in the Attic, and they always do. But what a beautiful reminder," she said. "In the meantime, we do need to proceed with fixing the situation so we can keep everybody safe while we're still functioning."
Information to donate can be found in this Facebook post from Angels in the Attic.
Donte Cotton has a hearing in the St. Joseph Superior Court on Wednesday morning.
ABC57 spoke with a couple of neighboring businesses, and workers say theft is a big problem at the Town and Country Plaza.