01/19/10

By Rachel Azevedo

Shelves that were once stocked, are now bare. $200 dollar climbing ropes, tents, carabiners, clothes, and even energy bars, totaling about $40,000 dollars retail value.

"Biggest thing was shock. I had a hard time believing it happened. Then I was just wondering how I'm going to deal with it, who did this, and if I'm going to get it all back," said Eric Bostard, owner of Redpoint.

Redpoint Climbers Supply in Terrebonne was robbed overnight Saturday. The door is damaged where the suspect likely pried the door open. The security system failed to alert the alarm company, so the Sheriff's Office wasn't notified until the owner arrived at the store in the morning. Now he's taking matters into his own hands; posting messages on climbing forums and social networking web sites, including a laundry list of items stolen in hopes the unique gear will point back to a suspect.

"I've gotten people looking on Craigslist saying, 'Hey, does this look like any of your gear?' They've been a huge help with that," said Bostard.

But so far, no leads. The block of businesses on Highway 97 at Smith Rock Way was hit by burglars a couple years ago. This time, it was only the climbing store. The pump house nearby has cameras, but they aren't pointed at Redpoint.

"When we got broken into, there were some other businesses that got broken into at the same time. They stole the ATM machine from the Thiriftway," said Salon worker Shelly Lehman.

Now Bostard is surviving on hope that his merchandise will be recovered. He's only owned the store for six months, and it's going to be difficult to keep the doors open with so much lost. He's considering installing his own cameras and a sturdier door. He has insuranc,. but it only covers liability, not merchandise.

KOHD and crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 dollars for information leading to an arrest. Call 1-877-876-TIPS or email tips@crimestopperscascades.com

You can remain remain anonymous.