On September 19, 2024, security cameras captured a chilling scene: burglars ransacking businesses in Huntington Beach during the early hours.

The Night of Chaos

Between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., at least five locations, including restaurants and a barber shop, were targeted. The suspects arrived, ready to cause chaos.

• Surveillance footage showed them shattering the glass doors of a restaurant, hastily searching for cash and valuables.
• They moved quickly to the next door, breaking in and managing to steal cash from the register.

A Close Call

One restaurant owner, Allie Segura from Eat At Joe’s, heard the commotion.

“They were using power tools to open the back door, and we called the cops,” Segura recounted.

Thanks to their quick action, police arrived within minutes, interrupting the burglars before they could cause significant damage or theft.

Despite their efforts to escape, the suspects fled in a getaway car described as a gray Audi Q8 SUV without license plates.

The Impact on Local Businesses

The aftermath of this event left many business owners rattled. Sam Arora, who runs Curry and Kabab Indian Cuisine, discovered that his glass entry door was completely destroyed.

“They tried looking around for a safe, but I don’t keep a safe in here, so they weren’t getting ahold of that,” he said.

Both Segura and Arora noted a worrying trend: an uptick in crime targeting restaurants.

Why Are Restaurants Being Targeted?

The shift in crime patterns is concerning. Typically, gas stations and liquor stores have been the prime targets for burglars. Now, restaurants find themselves increasingly vulnerable.

Segura expressed her relief that no one was harmed during the break-in but lamented the financial burden of replacing the door.

“Running a small business is tough anyway, so unnecessary expenses like this really hurt,” she said.

The Need for Stricter Measures

Local business owners are calling for stronger penalties for these crimes. The repetitive nature of such incidents has made them feel like a common occurrence.

“It’s too common and it’s happening way too much around here,” Segura stated.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Huntington Beach Police Department is currently investigating these break-ins and is appealing to the public for information.

Anyone with details about the incident or the suspects is urged to contact the police at 714-960-8825.

Conclusion: What Can We Learn?

The recent burglaries in Huntington Beach serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities small businesses face. As crime patterns shift, it’s vital for business owners to take proactive measures to protect their establishments.

• Security Measures:
  • Install robust security systems, including alarms and cameras.
  • Avoid keeping cash on the premises and keep registers open to deter theft.
• Community Awareness:
  • Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
  • Support local businesses to help them recover from these setbacks.

The incidents are a wake-up call for both business owners and the community at large. Let’s work together to ensure safety and security in our neighbourhoods.