Burglary Attempt at Long Beach Restaurant Marks Fifth Incident
Restaurant Hit for Fifth Time Since Opening
A burglary attempt at La Esquinta Mexican Grill in Long Beach, California, on November 6 marks the fifth time the restaurant has been targeted since its opening three years ago.
Surveillance Footage Captures Attempt
According to surveillance footage, two hooded suspects exited an Infinity and attempted to smash their way through the restaurant’s front glass with a crowbar in the early morning hours. However, they were unable to break the glass.
Owner Frustrated with Repeated Break-Ins
Owner Cynthia Zaragoza expressed her frustration with the repeated break-ins, stating, "It’s a huge setback. I mean, it’s not like we’re making thousands in profits with everything, the cost of living being so high. It’s hard to come back from this."
Investment in Shatterproof Glass Hasn’t Deterred Criminals
Despite investing in shatterproof glass, the restaurant has still been targeted multiple times. Zaragoza emphasized that even with these protections, it hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting the restaurant.
Owner Calls for More Help from Authorities
Owner Erik Vasquez expressed his desire for more help from local authorities in preventing future break-ins.
Mayor and Officials Discuss Revitalizing Downtown
On Tuesday, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and state officials walked through downtown Long Beach, discussing ways to revitalize the struggling business corridor. An estimated 100 businesses have left the area since the height of the pandemic.
Residents and Business Owners Blame Crime and Homelessness
Residents and business owners in downtown Long Beach attribute the decline in businesses to crime and homelessness.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched to Repair Damage
A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help repair the damage done to the restaurant during the latest break-in.
Conclusion
The repeated break-ins at La Esquinta Mexican Grill have left the owners frustrated and concerned about the future of their business. The city’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area are underway, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to stem the tide of crime and homelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times has La Esquinta Mexican Grill been broken into?
A: The restaurant has been broken into five times since its opening three years ago.
Q: What happened during the latest break-in?
A: Two hooded suspects attempted to smash their way through the restaurant’s front glass with a crowbar, but were unable to break it.
Q: What is the owner’s response to the repeated break-ins?
A: The owner is frustrated and concerned about the future of the business, stating that it’s a huge setback and hard to come back from.
Q: What is the city doing to address the issue of crime and homelessness?
A: The city is discussing ways to revitalize the downtown area, including addressing crime and homelessness.
