Police Investigate Pattern of Burglaries at California Fast-Food Chains
In the East Bay, a group of burglars has developed a peculiar pattern, targeting fast-food chains like Wendy’s and Taco Bell. This crew, suspected of multiple burglaries, has been linked to several incidents where they allegedly broke into these establishments during the night, stealing safes and cash.
One notable case involved three men from San Francisco, who worked as overnight cleaning staff for Bay Area restaurants. They were arrested in connection with a series of burglaries that took place in December and January, stealing a total of $16,000 from three restaurants: Local Union 271, Nola, and Ettan. The suspects used similar techniques in each burglary, entering through back doors and stealing the safes.
The impact of these crimes has been significant. In Oakland, several Taco Bell restaurants have closed their dining rooms, offering only drive-thru service due to increased crime rates. The Diversified Restaurant Group, which owns multiple Taco Bell locations, made this decision after one location experienced four robberies since November. Other fast-food chains like Raising Cane’s, In-N-Out, and Denny’s have also shut down indoor dining or completely closed their outlets due to safety concerns.
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these incidents, aiming to apprehend the individuals responsible and prevent further crimes. The community remains on alert, with many hoping for a swift resolution to this wave of fast-food burglaries.
