Repeated Kingwood Burglaries Could Force Shop Smart to Close

Repeated Kingwood Burglaries Could Force Shop Smart to CloseThe owner of Shop Smart near West Lake Houston Parkway says repeated burglaries have placed the family-owned Kingwood business at risk of closing. Owner Ram Momin told reporters that the store has been broken into eight times, with the most recent incident reportedly occurring last Sunday. Surveillance video allegedly shows a person using rocks to break through plexiglass and a remaining glass window before entering the store.Momin said cigarettes, cigars, vape merchandise, lighters and other small items have been taken. However, he estimates the damage and repair expenses have reached approximately $16,000, far exceeding the value of the allegedly stolen merchandise. Every window has reportedly been broken during the series of incidents and replaced with plexiglass. Momin also said his insurance coverage was dropped following the repeated burglaries and that he has been unable to obtain replacement coverage.Although surveillance images from multiple incidents appear to show some of the same individuals, the owner said no suspect has been definitively identified. He fears another break-in could leave him unable to cover both rent and repair costs, potentially forcing the store to close.Anyone with information should contact local law enforcement and should not approach anyone believed to be involved. The incidents and the identities of those responsible remain under investigation.