Police Accountability Questioned After Baltimore Business Crimes
By CASSIDIE STEVENS | FOX45 NEWS | Fri, October 9, 2026
A well-known Baltimore cafe claims it has endured seven break-ins and suffered losses of at least $10,000, raising concerns about accountability and community safety.
Background
WBFF has been reporting on the growing frustration among North Baltimore business owners who are dealing with repeated thefts and a lack of answers from city officials and police. One World Cafe's co-owner, Cindy Novak, shared the impact these crimes have had on their business:
"They just think... 'okay you got robbed, okay well you can afford it.' No, we can't. You know, we're struggling here as is from the beginning. Then when something like this happens, it just sets you back."
Community Support and GoFundMe
Neighbors, like Bob Paff, are standing in solidarity with One World Cafe and have set up a GoFundMe to aid their recovery efforts. They express dismay at the rising crime rates, emphasizing that small businesses are the backbone of the community and nation.
Similar Experiences
Other local business owners echo these sentiments. Ted Van Pelt, a former hair salon owner from the same area, shared his own experience with a break-in, stating that police did not make any arrests after the incident.
Demands for Accountability
As One World Cafe grapples with significant losses, residents are demanding answers from police about accountability and the steps being taken to safeguard businesses. Paff summed up the collective sentiment:
"Like who did this? Was this kid 12? Was it somebody who was 32, 52, 18, whatever? You know, there needs to be that change in the accountability and it is unacceptable."
Pending Police Response
Baltimore police have yet to respond to WBFF's inquiries regarding the seven break-ins, the arrests made (if any), and the investigation into the responsible parties. Community members await action and clear communication on public safety initiatives.