ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A 71-year-old Albany music venue is back open after an early-morning break-in left broken glass, stolen cash, and costly repairs.

The owner of Oglethorpe Lounge, Jimmy Pike, says someone broke into the business around 4 a.m. Sunday, August 2. He says he didn’t discover the burglary until a customer called Monday morning after noticing the damage.

Footage from 4 a.m. shows a man on a scooter pulling up behind the business. He reappears moments later with a bandana covering his face, breaks in, goes behind the bar, and ransacks the cash register. On his way out, the suspect left a trail of stolen receipt paper and dropped a case of beer.

Owner speaks out

Jimmy Pike has owned the Oglethorpe Lounge for 30 years. He said break-ins are rare for a business that has been a part of the Albany community for more than seven decades.

“I can’t believe I’m watching someone come into my business that I work hard for and take my stuff,” Pike said. “And it’s not right.”

Community members helped Pike clean up after the break-in, but boarding up the shattered storefront still cost him about $1,000 out of pocket.

Pike says Daniel Edenfield Construction quickly stepped in to board up the damaged storefront, allowing repairs to begin and helping the lounge reopen.

‘It affects everybody’

The Oglethorpe Lounge has been a fixture in Albany for 71 years, and Pike has owned it for the last 30 years. He says break-ins are rare, calling this only the third burglary the business has experienced during his ownership.

Pike said the impact of the crime goes beyond the financial damage.

“It affects everybody. Not just the financial part, but the mental part,” Pike said. “You’re worried all the time now. Like last night, I didn’t sleep good last night worrying about somebody coming back.”

The break-in came during what Pike described as the slowest time of year for the business.

“It’s tough enough as it is, especially during the summertime with all the bills,” Pike said. “And this is the slow time of the year for us. And for this to happen, it’s just cash out of my pocket.”

Benefit concert planned

Pike is urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact police.

“If anybody knows anything, speak up,” Pike said. “Say something. You don’t have to just call 311 or something. Let them know what is going on.”

Despite the setback, Pike says the community’s response has been overwhelming. Several bands are hoping to organize a benefit concert to help raise money for improvements to the venue.

Confirmed acts include Imposter, Vanara, Roadhouse Rebels, Leaving October of Port St. Joe, Fla., FateJacket of Pensacola, Fla., and Choir of Babble of Macon. Additional acts are expected to be announced. Concert dates will be posted on social media.

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