ZEBULON - Purple Shoe Thrift Shoppe workers think it was pretty Grinch-esque that someone attempted to break into the non-profit the night of Monday, Dec. 12.

They were glad to report the break-in was unsuccessful. Clothing and furniture the store has collected to raise funds to fight domestic violence remained untouched.

“It’s terrible to break into any place, but we’re a place that collects goods for people that need them the most,” Purple Shoe manager Phyllis Vermillion said. “I consider it a real insult someone would want to be a part of the problem instead of part of the solution.”

Following a suggestion by Zebulon police, store workers installed a flood light above the steel door on the back of the building where someone had tried to pry open a lock plate and damaged the door in the process. They also had a dome light installed on a nearby telephone pole.

“I hope that will take care of things,” Vermillion said. “Donations are something we really need this time of the year. January and February are a slow time of the year for us. You’d think people wouldn’t try to break into a non-profit.”

Zebulon police Chief Tim Hayworth said it’s not the first time someone has tried to break into a non-profit in town. He recalled an instance in which thieves successfully robbed a children’s clothing collection store on Horton Street a few years ago.

Hayworth said the police expect more crime throughout the holiday season, beginning as early as Thanksgiving. He said the holidays are the season of spending and criminals are aware of that.

“People are more desperate for money than normal, but more likely thieves think people have more cash and goods on hand because it’s the Christmas season,” Hayworth said. “That’s why retail and convenience-type stores become hot targets around this time.”

Hayworth also said drug use results in crimes all year long. He said drug use and greed are an ugly mixture.

“People that are driven by drug use simply don’t care who’s affected by their crime,” Hayworth said. “That’s why non-profits and churches are broken into from time to time. It seems there’s truly no honor among thieves.”

The Zebulon Police Department stresses police visibility throughout the year, but places extra emphasis on its presence from November to January to combat the anticipated rise in property crimes.

Police mainly focus on parking lots and areas surrounding retail stores and business. Hayworth when prospective criminals see a patrol car it does more than just prevent them from robbing a store.

“It also serves as extra protection for citizens,” he said. “Sometimes they are the targets as they’re walking to and from their cars with extra cash for holiday shopping.”