SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Smash-and-grab thieves targeted a sushi restaurant in North Park and neighbors worry it may be part of a growing trend.
Along 30th street, the mess was discovered Thursday morning in front of Aburi Sushi.
"It sucked, really sad," said General Manager Alex Mikha
A neighbor called him and reported a window broken. Mikha rushed over and found the front door shattered. A look at surveillance video from nearby businesses reveals the culprits. Around 5:15 a.m., a black sedan pulls up and parks in front of the restaurant. Two people emerge. The lookout appears to be a woman, who covers her face. Minutes later, the other person makes a move. A figure is seen approaching the door, then disappearing inside.
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"Someone smashes the front door with a rock or hammer. Couldn't really tell," said Mikha.
Once inside, the thief went straight for the cash register.
"Basically grabbed it, and then took off straight for the door," said Mikha.
Video shows the same car driving off. Inside the cash register: a total of $4.
While that loss was less than the cost of replacing the glass, the impact of the crime was felt across the neighborhood.
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"We feel bad for what's happening," said Charlie Kashat, who owns a corner store near the restaurant. He says this is the sixth or seventh overnight smash-and-grab break-in in the past year. It's unclear how many may be linked.
"This is a very nice community with nice people. This community doesn't deserve this," said Kashat.
Anyone with information is asked to call San Diego Police at 619-531-2000.
