East Austin businesses needing extra support after break-ins, robberies [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas — The holidays are a time for giving, but for some people, it’s a time for taking from the backbone of Austin – small businesses. 

“Times are hard,” said Justin Galicz, the owner of The Little Gay Shop on East 12th Street. “The holidays make people act a little crazier than usual.”

Galicz said a couple of weeks ago, the shop was broken into, leaving them with $2,500 in damages and stolen items. 

“Unfortunately, I’m seeing a lot of our other small business friends dealing with this a lot more this season,” Galicz said.

In a separate incident, right next door at nonprofit Future Front Texas, where creative art exhibits and workshops live, Executive Director Jane Hervey said they were robbed during business hours on Friday. 

“Someone …