‘I don’t understand’: Lincoln business owner frustrated after vandals strike again

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A small business owner in Lincoln is searching for answers after his store was vandalized for a second time.

The Topper Popper popcorn and ice cream shop is a staple in the community near 66th Street and N Cotner Boulevard.

Owner Mike Bretta is confused and frustrated after his store was targeted for the second time in about a year.

He got a disappointing wake-up call on Tuesday after one of his employees found a shattered window at the store.

Bretta said a vandal threw a rock into the window by the shop’s front door, shattering the glass.

And this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.

Just over a year ago, in July of 2024, someone tried to break in to the deadbolt door at the back of the store.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln popcorn shop barely avoids break-in as man tries to chisel his way in

“I hate to say I’m kind of getting used to it,” Bretta said. “I don’t understand why people are vandalizing the Topper Popper. It’s been here for 62 years.”

After the incident in 2024, Bretta installed a camera near the back door.

But it wasn’t close enough to the front door to capture video of the person who broke the window overnight.

So he brought a ladder and tools on Tuesday to put up even more cameras in hopes of deterring vandals.

After he’s done, Bretta said every part of the property will be under surveillance.

He’s also offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

“I’d like to put a stop to it,” Bretta said.

He said he’d “just like to know why” the vandal hit his store.

Bretta will be paying out of pocket to fix the window, which could cost a few hundred dollars.

But despite frustration and setbacks, he’s trying to stay positive.