NJ Shop Posts Note For Burglar After Break-In, Saying It'll All Be OK

HOBOKEN, NJ — When Hidden Grounds Coffee in Hoboken was burglarized on Wednesday, the owners didn't respond with anger. Instead, they posted a video on Instagram (below) of the prowler — along with a note saying they hope things get better for him or her.

"We've said this in the past and we will say it again," they wrote. "You're a human being! We get it."

The note goes on to say, "You've had some really unfortunate events happen to you, and you've turned to stealing. I really hope it gets better for you and you are able to rise above it ... If it was food you are seeking, please come in during our business hours next time and we would love to offer you something on the house."

Shop owner Anand Patel, who also owns locations in Jersey City and New Brunswick, explained the gesture on Thursday.

"Exactly why we wrote this is a bit hard to explain," he said, "but being in retail, we’re exposed to all types of different human beings, and one thing we’ve realized we all have in common is some kind of mental health issue."

He added, "We started thinking about how desperate someone was that they needed money for something and what all thoughts had to have been going through their heads to decide on something so drastic."

He said, "We simply wanted to respond with compassion rather than anger or frustration."

Patel said this was the second time the location was broken into, but they didn't leave cash there because of the first incident.

In the video, the intruder holds an umbrella over his head to hide his or her appearance, prompting some commenters to speculate that he may be known to the store.

"Sorry to hear this happened," wrote a commenter named ZackMorrison18. "But this note is honestly beautiful."

Find out more about the New Jersey-based company and its six shops here.

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