San Diego Police warning small business owners after 'wave' of burglaries

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego Police are warning small business owners to be on alert following a string of break-ins across the city. At least a dozen businesses have been targeted in the past month.

One of the latest victims is James Thorp, owner of Knotty Barrel Gastropub in Rancho Peñasquitos. Thorp said someone broke into his restaurant in mid-June using a crowbar to pry open a back door.

Thanks to a bolted safe and a responsive alarm system, the intruder left empty-handed.

“The guy was in and out in 35 seconds,” Thorp said. “He was looking for money and attempted to get the safe.”

Surveillance video shows the man ransacking office drawers before fleeing. Thorp said the damage was minimal and repair costs were limited to replacing a few locks.

“It really just cost me a couple trips to Home Depot,” he said. “But not everyone’s been that lucky.”

Thorp decided to come forward after seeing recent reports about similar crimes. He hopes increased attention will lead to arrests.

“I’m hoping this shines a light on them and gets more activity from police,” he said. “Hopefully they get caught.”

Among the other cases is a burglary at Yanni’s Bar and Grill in Scripps Ranch, where two suspects used a crowbar to break in and stole roughly $3,300 in cash.

San Diego Police say detectives are actively investigating the burglaries. Officer Colin Steinbroner said it is unclear whether the crimes are connected but noted that the methods are similar. He added that some suspects may be coming from outside San Diego County.

“Typically what we see is that they’re scoping out the places beforehand,” Officer Steinbroner said. “They usually have a plan — go for the cash register, go for anything they can see through the window.”

Steinbroner said patrol units are responding as quickly as possible, but the suspects are often in and out before police arrive. He encouraged business owners to upgrade surveillance and alarm systems and to avoid leaving cash in registers overnight.

“If you’re a victim, we can get your information, start follow-up and use our resources and technology to find them faster,” he said.

Thorp, like other business owners, said the break-ins are more than just a nuisance — they’re a financial blow.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “Small business owners don’t make a lot, so when we’re being targeted like this, we need to come together and support one another.”

Anyone with information or surveillance video is urged to contact San Diego Police.