A beloved novelty store in Fort Wayne, Indiana, known as Stoner’s Funstore, fell victim to vandalism on Christmas Eve 2025. The incident involved a broken window at the shop, sparking concern among locals just as holiday celebrations wrapped up.
What Happened at Stoner’s Funstore
The vandalism struck late on December 24, 2025, when an unknown person or group shattered a window at Stoner’s Funstore, a popular spot for fun gadgets and gifts. Shop owners shared the news on social media, showing photos of the damage and assuring customers that repairs would finish before reopening.
This event unfolded amid a quiet holiday period in Fort Wayne, where many businesses closed early for Christmas. Witnesses reported no major disturbances in the area that night, but the broken glass suggested a deliberate act. Local police arrived quickly to assess the scene and gather evidence.
Stoner’s Funstore has served the community for decades, drawing families for its unique items like magic tricks and party supplies. The timing of the attack, right before Christmas Day, left staff and owners shaken but determined to bounce back.
Community Response and Support
Residents of Fort Wayne rallied online and in person after hearing about the vandalism. Social media posts flooded with messages of support, urging people to shop local and help the store recover.
Many locals expressed frustration over rising petty crimes in the area. One community member noted how such acts disrupt the holiday spirit that brings people together. Support poured in through visits and online shares, highlighting the tight-knit nature of Fort Wayne’s business scene.
Business owners in nearby shops shared similar worries, pointing to a need for better neighborhood watch programs. The incident prompted discussions on community forums about ways to protect small businesses during peak seasons.
- Local residents organized a quick fundraiser to cover repair costs.
- Social media campaigns encouraged holiday shoppers to visit Stoner’s for last-minute gifts.
- Community leaders called for increased patrols in commercial areas.
Impact on the Business
The broken window forced a brief closure on Christmas Day, but the shop planned to reopen by December 26, 2025, with the damage fixed. Owners estimated repair costs in the low thousands, a hit during the busy holiday sales period.
Stoner’s Funstore relies on end-of-year traffic for much of its revenue. This vandalism could dent profits, but quick community backing might offset losses. Staff worked overtime to clean up and restock, showing resilience in the face of setback.
In a broader view, small businesses in Fort Wayne faced similar challenges in 2025, with vandalism reports up by about 15 percent from the previous year, according to city crime stats. This event adds to ongoing talks about economic pressures on local shops.
| Recent Vandalism Incidents in Fort Wayne | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoner’s Funstore | Dec 24, 2025 | Downtown area | Broken window, no theft reported |
| Local park displays | Nov 2025 | Borst Park | Holiday lights damaged, $30K in repairs |
| Halloween party shooting-related damage | Oct 2025 | Residential home | Property harm during mass incident |
| Church Nativity scene | Dec 2025 | Nearby church | Statues vandalized during holidays |
Police Investigation Updates
Fort Wayne police launched an investigation right after the report, collecting fingerprints and reviewing nearby security footage. No arrests have been made as of December 29, 2025, but leads point to possible youthful pranksters or random mischief.
Officers urged anyone with tips to come forward, stressing that even minor vandalism affects community safety. The case remains open, with updates expected in the coming days.
Experts suggest this fits a pattern of holiday-related crimes, often linked to boredom or grudges. Police data from 2025 shows a spike in such acts around major holidays, prompting calls for more preventive measures.
Similar Incidents Nationwide
Vandalism marred Christmas celebrations in several U.S. spots in 2025, from church displays in Edinburgh to Nativity scenes in Evanston. These events highlight a troubling trend of targeting holiday symbols.
In India, pre-Christmas disruptions in states like Kerala and Assam drew outrage, showing how global tensions can spill into festivities. Back home, Fort Wayne’s case echoes others, like damaged park lights in Centralia, where communities fought back with fundraisers.
Such acts often stem from various motives, including protests or simple recklessness. Analysts note a 10 percent rise in reported vandalism nationwide in 2025, tied to economic stress and social divides.
Steps to Prevent Future Vandalism
Business owners can take proactive steps to safeguard their properties, especially during holidays. Installing security cameras and better lighting tops the list for deterrence.
Community involvement plays a key role too. Neighborhood groups in Fort Wayne have started watch programs that reduced incidents by 20 percent in tested areas.
Working with local police for risk assessments helps identify weak spots. Simple measures like reinforced windows or alarm systems prove effective without breaking the bank.
As this story develops, share your thoughts in the comments below or spread the word to support local businesses like Stoner’s Funstore. Your input could help build a safer community.
