A wave of destructive burglaries in San Fernando has left business owners frustrated and on edge. In a bizarre twist, one shop owner discovered an apology note from a thief.
Over the past several days, at least seven businesses were hit by thieves including restaurants, coffee shops and more.
One business, the San Fernando Coffee Company, was burglarized on Tuesday. The thief smashed their way into the shop and escaped with the cash register.
“This week has been an emotional rollercoaster,” said Isaiah Rosario, the coffee shop’s owner.
Rosario said although there was only $6 inside the register, it would cost him around $1,000 to replace it.
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Security video captured a burglar crawling through a smashed window and heading straight to the cash register at Teriyaki Madness in the San Fernando Valley. (Teriyaki Madness) -
The thief is seen writing an apology note during a break-in at Teriyaki Madness. (Teriyaki Madness) -
The thief’s apology note was left at the front counter after a break-in at Teriyaki Madness. (Teriyaki Madness) -
The thief is seen writing an apology note during a break-in at Teriyaki Madness. (Teriyaki Madness) -
The owners of Teriyaki Madness restaurant are working to clean up the destruction left behind by a burglar. (KTLA) -
The owners of Teriyaki Madness restaurant are working to clean up the destruction left behind by a burglar. (KTLA) -
Another nearby restaurant is seen boarded up after burglars smashed the front door. (KTLA) -
The owners of Teriyaki Madness restaurant are working to clean up the destruction left behind by a burglar. (KTLA)
The restaurant next door, Teriyaki Madness, was burglarized twice in one week — on Tuesday morning and again on Thursday morning.
Security cameras from the restaurant captured an intruder slipping through a shattered glass window and heading straight for the cash register.
And in a bizarre twist, cameras recorded the male thief writing a note before fleeing the scene. The next day, the victimized owners recovered the note which read, “Sorry! Need money for drugs, won’t come back.”
Authorities are working to determine whether the same person or persons may be involved in the burglary spree.
As store owners continue working to clean up their stores and recuperate from their losses, many are just frustrated over the continuous crime.
“It just sucks,” Rosario said. “It just sucks.”
Local business owners have planned a meeting with the San Fernando police chief on Friday morning to address the crime wave.
The suspect or suspects responsible for the break-ins are facing charges of burglary, vandalism, grand theft and more.
Anyone with information on the case can call the San Fernando Police Department at 818-898-1267.