Downtown Walnut Creek’s Safety Questioned Amidst Burglary Spree

Restaurants in Downtown Walnut Creek Targeted in Recent Burglaries

Several restaurants in downtown Walnut​ Creek, California, have​ fallen victim to a series of burglaries, leaving owners⁢ shocked and concerned. The⁢ incidents occurred between July 16 and 24, as⁢ well as on August 7.

Impacted Establishments

• De Afghanan⁢ Kabob House
• Melos Italian Table
• Ramen Hiroshi
• Lita
• Vinous ‍Reverie Wine Merchant
• Tellus Coffee

The owners of these establishments have shared their experiences with ⁣The Epoch Times. Additionally, the San Francisco Creamery has also reported incidents of “dine and dash” behavior.

Owner Testimonials

Gaetano Piccolo, owner of Melos Italian⁢ Table, expressed his ⁣concerns, stating, “People are ⁤saying that you have to ⁣be⁣ a little bit more careful now, that Walnut ‌Creek⁤ was a much safer‍ place​ to be, but now there’s ‍a little ⁢bit more criminal activity going on and you have to be a little bit more careful about your stuff.”

Mr. Piccolo discovered the burglary⁤ when his ⁣alarm company called him at 4 a.m. The burglars⁣ had broken ⁣the lock box, entered the ⁤restaurant‍ using ⁤the‌ key, and stolen his first shipment of alcohol for ⁤the new restaurant and bar. Fortunately, the loss was limited​ to approximately $1000 worth of goods.

Hiroshi Tun, owner⁢ of Ramen Hiroshi, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Walnut Creek is not safe anymore.” His restaurant experienced a break-in on July 19, resulting in the theft of cash, an iPad, and Bluetooth⁣ speakers valued at around $3,500.

Wais⁢ Omar, owner of De Afghanan Kabob ⁣House, shared his ⁤disbelief, stating, “When I ⁢tell my friends or ​family, nobody‍ believes ⁢me, because⁢ nobody expects ⁢something ‌to happen ‌in Walnut Creek.” His restaurant was also targeted‌ using the same method as ‌the others, with the burglars breaking⁣ open the lock box to gain access.

Igor Ivanov, owner of Vinous Reverie Wine Merchant, expressed his frustration, saying, “This year​ it’s the smaller businesses that are ​being hit.”‌ His⁤ store was ⁣broken into on July⁢ 18, ⁣resulting in the theft‍ of the cash register and approximately $2,000⁣ worth of damages.

Increased Security​ Measures

In‍ response to these incidents, the affected owners ⁤have taken steps‍ to enhance the‍ security of their establishments. Measures include removing⁣ lock boxes, changing ⁤locks, adding deadbolts,​ increasing security cameras, and updating door security.

Despite the arrest of ‍one suspect, the investigation​ into these ‍burglaries ⁢is ongoing, ⁣with additional unidentified ⁢suspects still being ‍sought.

These incidents serve as a reminder ⁣that even in seemingly safe neighborhoods, businesses must remain​ vigilant and take necessary ⁣precautions to ‌protect ‌themselves from⁤ criminal activity.