‘It’s not going to stop us’: tattoo removal program seeks to rebound after theft

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/01/2024 (593 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A free gang tattoo removal program is on hold after all its equipment was stolen in a recent break-in.

Della Steinke, owner of Mother Ink Tattoo Removal, received a phone call early Jan. 19, saying her 550 Sargent Ave. shop and one next door had been robbed.

Thieves stole a tattoo removal machine and related equipment (worth more than $40,000) and a laptop computer. A TV was ripped from the wall and food and clothing to be handed out to the homeless community Friday nights were among the missing items.

“The nice part about it was they actually didn’t destroy the place, which that was my first thought… So I’m at least thankful for that,” Steinke said Tuesday.

Steinke has been doing tattoo removal for nine years. The program began as a partnership with parole and probation officers to rid ex-gang members of associated tattoos, but it quickly expanded to include anyone who needed a problematic or personally painful tattoo removed.

In October, Steinke opened the Mother Ink space with help from government funding and has been providing the service, along with wraparound supports, on Sargent Avenue since then.

Steinke estimates she’s assisted close to 400 gang members and zapped off at least 1,000 tattoos at a value of more than $1 million worth of free removals.

However, it’s one of those clients she suspects was the culprit.

“Not only did they take the machine, but they took the equipment that’s needed for the machine as well. And they even took the medication to use for after therapy,” she said, speculating addiction fuelled the act.

“I don’t think they were really thinking ahead… Maybe they knew the machine was worth a lot of money, but I think then once they stole it, they realized that there’s not much they can do with it.”

“The nice part about it was they actually didn’t destroy the place, which that was my first thought… So I’m at least thankful for that.”

Retail theft has been on the rise in the city in recent years. In November, Winnipeg police announced a initiative to crack down on shoplifting.

Police confirmed the break-in at Mother Ink is being investigated.

The tattoo removal service is a valuable asset to the community and partnering organizations who work to prevent gang activity and affiliations, said Spence Neighbourhood Association executive director Michele Wikkerink.

“It’s a very physical thing to have tattoos removed, but it’s also incredibly freeing from, like, a psychological viewpoint or an inner-life point,” Wikkerinksaid.

The association partnered with Steinke last year to secure funding for a standalone shop.

More than hurting the partner businesses and organizations, Wikkerink said the theft hurts the people who use the service.

“You’re very clearly wanting to change or alter something from your past, saying ‘This is not me anymore. This tattoo does not represent who I am and I’m ready to be done with it,’” she said. “Now people who are really wanting something different need to wait again.”

“It’s not going to stop us. I’ve been doing this nine years now, and we’re certainly not going to stop now.”

A tattoo removal machine isn’t easily purchased, Steinke said. However, the shop, which serves 30-50 clients per week, should reopen next week using rental equipment, she said.

The theft also puts a dent in Steinke’s plan to hit the road this summer to bring her services to First Nations residents. The machine stolen last week was a distinct model, in that it is portable.

“I mean, it’s not going to stop us. I’ve been doing this nine years now, and we’re certainly not going to stop now,” she said.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca