Windows smashed at kids used clothing store; gumball machine stolen

Owners of Once Upon a Child in Citrus Heights received an unwanted visit last week when their store’s front windows were shattered and a gumball machine filled with change was stolen.

Maxa Roe, who owns the children’s used toy and clothing store in the Citrus Town Center along with her husband Mike, told The Sentinel in a phone interview that her store was broken into before dawn on Jan. 10. She said it appeared unsuccessful entry was first attempted through the front door, leaving a broken handle and door, followed by a brick being sent through a side window.

“I’m not a real happy camper right now,” she said, estimating the damage at $1,500 to replace the broken window and door, along with the loss of the gumball machine and over $100 in change it contained inside. She said repairs will be covered out of her own pocket.

Sgt. Janet Schaefer confirmed a brick had shattered the front window at 4:05 a.m. on Jan. 10, with police responding to the scene several minutes after receiving notification of an alarm at the location. She said video surveillance had been reviewed, but the suspect or suspects were not captured on the recording.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department. The department’s non-emergency number is (916) 727-5500.

Once Upon a Child has operated at its 7937 Greenback Ln. location since 2004 and is part of a nationwide chain of franchise stores that buy and sell used children’s toys and clothing. Unlike traditional thrift shops or consignment stores, the franchise locations are known for making offers to buy items brought into the store by parents or others.