Flower pot thrown through window, repair cost is $1K

COEUR d'ALENE - Victims of family violence in Kootenai County were victimized again last weekend by a single act of vandalism. The front window of the Women's Center Thrift store was broken late Friday night when someone threw a heavy flower pot through the storefront glass. Anne Chatfield, director of the nonprofit Women's Center, said the repair cost is nearly $1,000. "What they have done is take money away from victims services that are desperately needed by people in our community," Chatfield said. The thrift store's profits directly support the Women's Center's efforts to provide 24-hour assistance for victims of rape, domestic abuse and sexual assault in the region. The center provides counseling, domestic violence shelter, court advocacy and children's services for victims of family violence. Chatfield received a call from the Coeur d'Alene Police Department at midnight Friday notifying her of the broken window, after a passerby noticed it and called the police department. There are no leads or suspects, according to Coeur d'Alene police Sgt. Christie Wood. Chatfield does not think the window was broken by anyone connected with the center or any of its clients. "I think it was just a random act of vandalism by someone who has no idea who they've taken away from," Chatfield said. The incident comes at a time when "things are slow" and the agency is already in need of more donations and volunteers, Chatfield said. They are also looking for furniture to take on consignment, which is something new at the shop. "We have to try to make up this money quickly so it can go to where the need is, not to pay for broken windows," Chatfield said. "Even though this happened, we continue to do the very important work that we've always done, and that's to advocate for any victim in our community that has been affected by family violence."