Surveillance video captured three masked intruders smashing their way into a San Fernando restaurant Saturday morning.
The group of burglars targeted Flor De Lima Farms, a restaurant located on the 1400 block of Truman Street at around 1:30 a.m.
The three suspects, seen carrying large burglary tools, broke into the restaurant and eventually escaped with a safe. They quickly entered an awaiting getaway car before the police arrived.
The restaurant owners said this is the third time they’ve been targeted in a single week. The first time, the suspects shattered a glass door and the second time, the front patio area was destroyed.
The restaurant’s manager, Alicia Acevedo, said the destructive crimes have left around $7,000 worth of damages and losses.
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Three burglars smashed their way into Flor De Lima Farms restaurant in San Fernando and escaped with a safe on August 10, 2024. (Flor De Lima Farms) -
The getaway car awaiting the suspects outside Flor De Lima Farms restaurant in San Fernando on August 10, 2024. (Flor De Lima Farms) -
Three burglars smashed their way into Flor De Lima Farms restaurant in San Fernando and escaped with a safe on August 10, 2024. (Flor De Lima Farms) -
Three burglars smashed their way into Flor De Lima Farms restaurant in San Fernando and escaped with a safe on August 10, 2024. (Flor De Lima Farms) -
Three burglars smashed their way into Flor De Lima Farms restaurant in San Fernando and escaped with a safe on August 10, 2024. (Flor De Lima Farms)
“We’re just a regular family, a small business trying to create a safe, comfortable and healthy environment but unfortunately, it’s almost become impossible for us,” Acevedo said.
Constant burglaries and vandalisms have continually plagued San Fernando and nearby Valley communities this summer. Both homes and businesses are being targeted, leaving many residents fearing for their safety.
“People are getting scared to be out,” Acevedo said. “I live around the area and you cannot walk outside anymore the way we used to. We used to be able to walk around the block. You will not do that anymore. There are people outside your doorway doing drugs in the middle of the day.”
Acevedo said she hopes to see an increase in police patrols and tougher punishments from law enforcement for burglary crimes.
In early August, a string of destructive burglaries targeted multiple small businesses on the 1200 block of Truman Street in San Fernando. In a bizarre twist, one shop owner even discovered an apology note from a thief.
Local business owners said they had met with the San Fernando police chief to address the crime wave and were working on solutions to deter future break-ins.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information on the theft can call the San Fernando Police Department at 818-898-1267.