Burglars have taste for crime

SHERIFF’S REPORT



CAUGHT ON TAPE—A security camera shows one of the burglars.

CAUGHT ON TAPE—A security camera shows one of the burglars.

Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men who were caught on surveillance cameras breaking into Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant in the 5100 block of Kanan Road in Agoura Hills overnight between Oct. 12 and 13.

According to a sheriff’s report, the men caused $7,000 damage in the process of breaking in. They stole 20 bottles of wine, $700 in cash from the register and an office cabinet. Video shows they were wearing hooded sweatshirts and gloves.

The neighboring Sushi Raku Japanese Restaurant was targeted the same night, deputies said. In that incident, burglars caused $1,000 in damage busting into the business, where they opened a cash register and ransacked cabinets. The report does not say if money was stolen.

The recent burglaries are among a dozen that have targeted local restaurants in recent weeks.

“We are getting hit pretty hard,” Sgt. Matt Dunn of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station said.

Earlier this week, deputies arrested three people in connection with a burglary at Baja Fresh in Calabasas. But it is not clear whether these culprits are involved with the other restaurant break-ins.

There have been numerous incidents in which burglars have smashed windows or broken through doors to gain entry to the restaurants. Once inside, they look for cash registers, safes and offices, Dunn said. Liquor was taken in two of the incidents, including Lal Mirch.

Other eateries targeted this past month include Pizza Hut, Wood Ranch and Agoura Deli in Agoura Hills; Shibuya, Blue Table and La Paz in Calabasas; and Barone’s Pizzeria in Westlake Village.

Restaurants in the West San Fernando Valley and Thousand Oaks have also been hit.

Deputies recovered some of the stolen items, including cash drawers, at a park in Thousand Oaks. The burglars could be a single crew or multiple groups of burglars, Dunn said.


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