Burglary leaves local theater owner reeling

By Ed Nadolski

Editor in Chief

A late July burglary of the Plaza Theater has left the owner of the downtown Burlington fixture reeling and now he’s appealing to the community for help in solving the crime.

“The magnitude of the loss is a real struggle,” said Shad Branen, who has invested heavily in the four-screen theater to upgrade to the latest technology in the four years he’s owned it. “Insurance will likely cover only a fraction of the losses.”

That’s because the main focus of the thief, or thieves, was stealing cash. According to Branen, a large safe was taken along with the contents of a small safe and several cash drawers during the burglary in the early morning hours of July 27.

While both Branen and police declined to divulge the amount stolen, Branen said it is enough to have an impact on the business and him personally.

“It’s not like we’re under the protective umbrella of a big corporation,” he said. “As any small business owner will attest, it’s challenging enough to run a business in today’s environment.

“We’ve been making upgrades throughout the facility with new projectors, screens and seats,” he added. “Some of our future plans could be put on hold for now.”

While the burglary has taken a toll on the business, Branen said it also tarnishes the goodwill generated by efforts to revive a theater with a history dating to the late 1920s.

“It becomes personal,” he said. “The emotions are all over the board – sad, upset, worried. It deflates you.”

Branen, who cleared his comments with City of Burlington Police prior to speaking with the Standard Press, said he has done his best to cooperate with investigators and has also been in contact with the FBI.

Burlington Police Chief Peter Nimmer said Detective Rodney Thurin has been working extensively on the case and is making headway.

“It’s just going to take some time,” he said. “(But) I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Nimmer declined to provide further details about the case.

Branen also expressed optimism in the investigation.

“It would be to someone’s advantage to cooperate with authorities now,” he said.

Branen also said anyone providing information about the crime could be eligible for a $1,000 cash reward offered through a tipster program sponsored by the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce and the police department.

The tipster hotline is (262) 210-0112. Informants remain anonymous.