Detectives in northern San Diego are looking into a series of recent burglaries that have targeted multiple small businesses in the area. Over the past week, at least five businesses have been broken into, sparking concerns about a possible serial burglar on the loose.
One of the incidents was caught on surveillance footage at Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant in 4S Ranch. The video shows a burglar using a sledgehammer to smash a glass door and then grabbing bags filled with money from the back office before fleeing the scene. Just half an hour earlier, Mostra Coffee, located nearby, was also hit by the same burglar. Co-founder Jelynn Malone described how the thief ransacked the store, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The same burglar is believed to have struck a Jamba Juice in the area by smashing another glass door. Additionally, Yogurt Heaven and Santana’s Restaurant on Scripps Poway Parkway were also targeted last week, with surveillance footage showing a thief using a sledgehammer to break into those establishments as well.
The string of burglaries has not only caused financial losses for the affected businesses but has also left owners feeling violated and disheartened. Malone emphasized the hard work that goes into running a small business and expressed solidarity with other business owners who have been affected by the crimes. She advised fellow entrepreneurs to take precautions such as not leaving cash on the premises, ensuring that security systems are in place and functioning properly, and keeping valuable items out of sight.
As the holiday season approaches, Malone’s message to small business owners is to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their establishments from potential break-ins. San Diego police are actively investigating the burglaries, but it is still unclear whether they are connected. Anyone with information related to the crimes is urged to come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation.
