Small Businesses In Asian District Suffer From Break-Ins, Community Asks For Support

In recent weeks, several Asian District businesses have been targeted in break-ins. This week, Sharetea OKC posted a video to Instagram of a group of people apparently discussing a break-in outside its business.

Hubbly Bubbly Becomes Most Recent Target

On Wednesday, Joshua Tullis was alerted by his alarm company of an early morning break-in at his business, Hubbly Bubbly. When he arrived, police were already at the scene.

"It's always been kind of a pretty safe area around here," Tullis said. "It's just been recently over these last six months or so. Some of the businesses have told me they've been dealing with it for a year."

Thieves took off with Tullis' cash box, but he said most business owners he knows no longer keep any cash inside because of the issues.

"With small businesses getting hit, as well as these snow days, every day for small businesses can be a 'make it' or 'break it' type of situation," he said. "So, with these snow days, with these burglaries, yes, the best way people can help is really by just supporting local businesses."

Asian District Calls For Focus On Finding Group Responsible

In a statement, the Asian District Cultural Association said it was deeply concerned with the break-ins at Sharetea, Ling's Cakery, and Hubbly Bubbly.

Executive director Steve Le said businesses in the community have been targeted since 2023.

"We call upon local authorities to prioritize investigations into these crimes and take immediate action to ensure the safety of these businesses in the community," he said. "It is equally important for residents and patrons to show their support for these local establishments, which contribute greatly to the cultural and economic fabric of our Asian District.”