In a bizarre twist during a burglary investigation, San Fernando police came across an apology note left by the culprit. The perplexing case involves several local businesses that experienced a spate of break-ins and vandalism.
Over several days, three businesses were burglarized, six were vandalized, and one reported a significant theft. According to ABC 7, the victims ranged from an ice cream shop to property management offices.
One restaurant, Teriyaki Madness, was hit twice in one week. When the owners returned, they discovered a note on a yellow sticky pad that read, “Sorry! Need $ for drugs, won’t come back.”
Chris English/Wikimedia Commons
Surveillance footage is believed to show the burglar breaking in through a window and writing the note. No arrests have been made yet as detectives pursue leads, as reported by ABC 7.
Another victim, the San Fernando Coffee Company, lost its entire cash register, which contained only $6. Owner Isiah Rosario remarked, “This week has been an emotional rollercoaster,” noting that replacing the register will cost him around $1,000.
Nearby, Protein Shop reported a similar crime, with CCTV seemingly capturing the same suspect stealing over $500 from their registers. San Fernando police chief Fabian Valdez indicated that the suspect displayed signs of prior experience, noting how they strategically avoided leaving fingerprints.
The series of crimes has left local business owners feeling anxious and frustrated. They’re set to meet with law enforcement to address these recent events. “It just sucks,” Rosario expressed.
Concerns are growing among business owners that insurance may not sufficiently cover their losses, leading to worries about rising premiums if they file claims.
San Fernando police are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with information to reach out. In 2022, the city recorded 417 property crimes, which is lower than the national average by about 9.2%, but still represents a crime rate that is higher than 64% of other California cities, according to statistics from AreaVibes and Neighborhood Scout.