Police are on the lookout for a group of burglars who targeted three locations of the same Italian restaurant chain in San Fernando Valley within an hour early Wednesday morning.
The spree began around 3 a.m. when surveillance footage captured the suspects arriving in a dark-colored sedan at the Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Encino. Three masked and hooded individuals exited the vehicle, wielding crowbars, and forced their way into the restaurant, stealing a cash-filled safe from the office.
Operations Manager Peggy Gonzales told KTLA that she went to the Encino location when the alarm sounded. While waiting for the police, she received another alert about a break-in at the Woodland Hills branch. The thieves left that location empty-handed but caused significant damage by breaking a glass door and wrecking the office area.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Gonzales got a third call, this time about a break-in at the Sherman Oaks restaurant. Los Angeles police are investigating the incidents and suspect the same crew is responsible for all three burglaries.
Madelyn Alfano, the owner of the restaurant chain, mentioned that the burglars likely didn’t steal much money as the restaurants have mostly transitioned to cashless operations since the pandemic. However, the property damage is substantial. Alfano expressed a desire to go completely cashless to deter future break-ins but noted that a proposed city ordinance banning cashless businesses might prevent this.
“If there’s no cash to be had, there’s no reason for someone to break into a business,” Alfano said.
Supporters of the ban argue that it would ensure inclusivity, preventing the exclusion of individuals who cannot obtain bank accounts or have been denied access to credit.