Springfield, Ill. – A local gift shop, Daisy Jane’s, was the target of a break-in overnight, leaving its owner and community shaken. The incident, which occurred at the store’s location near the Old State Capitol, involved a forced entry and the theft of the cash register, according to store owner Julia Johnson.
Johnson recounted receiving a distressing call from her daughter after a security camera notification alerted them to the intrusion. “I really thought she was kidding me, thinking she could wake me up to a call like that,” Johnson said. “But then she started crying.” The intruder was inside the store for less than a minute, quickly grabbing the cash register and causing minor damage to displays.
The method of entry involved someone throwing a brick through the front door, shattering the glass. Johnson expressed concern over the speed and efficiency of the thief, questioning whether the store had been previously targeted or scouted. “You just wonder with the speed with which he came in, went right to the box and disconnected everything if he’d been in before,” she said.
Daisy Jane’s has been a fixture in Springfield for ten years, and Johnson said she had never previously felt unsafe at the location. The emotional impact of the break-in was significant, particularly given the family-oriented nature of the business. “I tell my customers this is my happy place… my daughter and I work here, and she brings her baby in with her… we have the three of us here every day,” Johnson explained. “So it has to be a safe place for us, and it makes me angry that somebody stepped over that line.”
Community Support Following the Incident
Following the break-in, Johnson shared the news on social media, announcing the temporary closure of the store even as repairs were made. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from customers and the wider community. Offers to help with cleanup and restocking flooded in, demonstrating the strong connection between Daisy Jane’s and its patrons. “It’s really, really nice,” Johnson said. “We know we have great customers, so it’s not really surprising, but it is very touching.”
Police responded to the scene and collected evidence, including fingerprints and security camera footage. While the cash register was stolen, authorities were able to locate the missing cash box, though the money inside was not recovered. Johnson stated that police are investigating the incident.
Possible Connection to Another Local Break-In
Johnson suspects a possible connection between the break-in at Daisy Jane’s and a similar incident at Custom Cup, a nearby cafe. She believes the same individual may be responsible for both crimes. However, the Springfield Police Department has not yet confirmed any connection between the two incidents or identified any suspects.
The incident at Daisy Jane’s comes amid a series of recent crimes reported in the area. A woman was recently killed in a reported accidental shooting in Decatur, and a suspect was arrested in Jacksonville in connection with a Valentine’s Day shooting. A teenager was also hospitalized after a shooting near the Illinois State University campus.
Daisy Jane’s Future and Downtown Springfield Growth
Despite the setback, Johnson remains optimistic about the future of Daisy Jane’s. The store is currently undergoing repairs and is expected to reopen soon. Notably, Daisy Jane’s recently relocated to a larger space at 9 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, a move that began in late 2022, according to reporting from the Springfield Business Journal. Johnson started the business six years ago after retiring from the medical technology field.
The new location, which previously housed Marley’s Pub, offers 3,000 square feet of space, allowing Johnson to expand her product lines and accommodate the growing customer base. The area surrounding Daisy Jane’s is also experiencing revitalization, with new businesses like Truth Lounge and The Wakery opening nearby. Johnson expressed excitement about the growing downtown scene and the opportunity to collaborate with other woman-owned businesses.
The Springfield Police Department has not released any further updates on the investigation as of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Anyone with information regarding the break-in at Daisy Jane’s is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.
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