Portland Cafes Burglarized in Overnight Break-ins

The Ugly Duckling and Smalls were both targeted by a suspect late Tuesday night.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Property Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric building facade and heavy door in navy and cream, evoking urban security concerns. — Authorities are investigating a string of burglaries targeting the Ugly Duckling and Smalls cafes in Portland on Tuesday night. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A suspect broke into two Portland businesses on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The individual targeted both the Ugly Duckling on Danforth Street and the coffee shop Smalls on Brackett Street.

Why it matters

These incidents reflect ongoing security concerns for local business owners in the area. Authorities are investigating the break-ins to determine if the events are connected.

Local law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the break-ins involving forced entry at both commercial locations. No arrests have been made as the search for the suspect continues.

The players

The Ugly Duckling

This bakery and cafe is a local business located on Danforth Street in Portland.

Smalls

This coffee shop is a local business located on Brackett Street in Portland.

The details

At the Ugly Duckling on Danforth Street, the suspect forced entry by breaking a door and a window before attempting to steal a cash register. The suspect fled the scene empty-handed after realizing the business owner was present inside the establishment.

Tuesday night, September 22, 2026: The Ugly Duckling and Smalls were broken into.

Legal Context

This event follows a pattern set by the 2024 Portland business district crime wave, which saw similar targeting of local storefronts. These repeat commercial burglaries often lead to increased municipal scrutiny of local security protocols and late-night police patrol patterns.

Local business owners in the Danforth and Brackett Street areas may consider reviewing security systems and alarm protocols following these incidents. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity observed near commercial properties during late-night hours.

The takeaway

Business owners should ensure their security systems are active and visible to discourage potential intruders. Maintaining awareness of surroundings, even after business hours, remains a critical safety practice for proprietors.