Family-Run Calgary Grocery Targeted in Repeated Break-Ins
Jim Kokos has taken extreme measures to protect his family's livelihood, spending nights in his vehicle outside Kalamata Grocery after the Calgary store suffered two break-ins within one week. The manager of the Beltline neighbourhood establishment told reporters he's working daytime hours before maintaining an overnight watch when the store is closed, desperately trying to prevent a third incident.
Break-In Details and Significant Losses
The first break-in occurred during the early morning hours of November 4, 2025, when a masked individual smashed a storefront window, stole the cash register, and took off with what Kokos described as a substantial amount of merchandise. After boarding up the damaged window and investigating security upgrades, the grocery was hit again almost exactly one week later at approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11.
According to Kokos, the second break-in saw the perpetrator enter through the same window and steal even more property than during the first incident. Based on CCTV footage, Kokos believes it may have been the same individual responsible for both crimes.
The family business, located at 15th Avenue and 11th Street S.W. in Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood, was established by Kokos' grandfather nearly 70 years ago. Kokos estimates the total value of stolen goods, cash, and property damage falls in the five-figure range, though he's still working to determine the full extent of the losses.
Growing Challenges for Small Businesses
Kokos expressed frustration about the broader challenges facing small businesses in the area, noting that frequent break-ins represent just one of several pressures. "We've always tried to be low-priced and fair for the community, but drug use is going up, crime is going up — they're smashing our windows every other week," he stated.
The grocer also pointed to reduced parking availability and declining sales as additional factors making it difficult to operate the independent business. "Most of our parking has been taken away, replaced with bike lanes that nobody uses," Kokos noted, adding that these cumulative challenges make it "getting really tough to continue business and find the motivation to keep it going."
Calgary police responded to both break-ins, but Kokos acknowledged the limitations law enforcement faces. "They did everything they could, but it's hard for them too," he said. "They're responding to all these calls, and if the guy is in a mask and they're all covered up, how are they going to identify somebody like that?"
Kokos expressed understanding of the police's challenging position, noting "There's a lot of break-and-enters around the city and they're kind of overwhelmed." Despite the setbacks, the dedicated business owner continues his overnight vigil, determined to protect the family legacy that has served the Beltline community for generations.
