Fireworks stands rebound after holiday thefts, urge others to stay vigilant
Business booms for Huffman stands after firework thefts
While thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of fireworks from two Huffman stands, the two were able to bounce back in time for the Fourth of July. FOX 26's Leslie DelasBour followed up with both stands.
HUFFMAN, Texas - Just days after thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of fireworks from two family-owned stands in Huffman, both businesses were back open and serving customers on the Fourth of July.
Harris County: Firework stands recover after thefts
What they're saying:
FOX 26 returned to Boom Shack Jr. and Raccoon Fireworks to see how the businesses had recovered after the burglaries and how holiday sales were going.
At Boom Shack Jr., manager Austin Stapleton said employees had to bring inventory from several of the company's other locations to restock the Huffman stand after the theft. He said the business was able to reopen on July 1—later than planned—but in time for the busy holiday rush.
Owner Marty Flanagan said he was out of town when the burglary happened. While he said he's still frustrated by what happened, he isn't letting it overshadow the holiday.
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2 Huffman fireworks stands burglarized hours apart ahead of Fourth of July
Two fireworks businesses along FM 2100 in the Huffman area are cleaning up and restocking after they say thieves targeted both stands just days before one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Just a few miles away, Raccoon Fireworks also restocked ahead of the Fourth of July.
Employee Hayden Davis said workers have noticed suspicious activity since the burglary, including people stopping near the stand, watching for a while and then driving away. He said thefts are something many people in the fireworks industry worry about every year.
Even with those concerns, Davis said the holiday brought strong business. He estimated the stand made about $10,000 in sales on the Fourth of July.
What you can do:
Boom Shack Jr. owner Flanagan said he's offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the people responsible. He said he's received several tips from the public and has been turning that information over to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
He also said he's thankful no employees were at the stand during the break-in and noted that many fireworks stand owners stay in close contact with one another and look out for each other during the busy selling season.
Both businesses said they're grateful for the community's support after the thefts. Their message to other fireworks stand owners still open through the holiday is to stay vigilant, watch out for one another and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The Source: Employees and owners at Boom Shack Jr. and Raccoon Fireworks