Mexican restaurant in Southern California hit by thieves 5 times in 3 years

A burglary attempt at a Long Beach restaurant last week marks the fifth time the Mexican food grill has been hit since opening three years ago.

The Nov. 6 incident unfolded in the early morning hours, with the establishment's surveillance cameras capturing two hooded suspects exiting an Infinity and attempting to smash their way through the restaurant's front glass with what appeared to be a crowbar.

"Then they start knocking on the glass," Cynthia Zaragoza explained to KTLA's Carlos Saucedo. "They're unable to break it."

Because La Esquinta Mexican Grill on Willow Street has been broken into many other times, the owner invested in shatterproof glass. Even with these types of protections, it hasn't stopped criminals from targeting the restaurant.

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"It's a huge setback," Zaragoza said. "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."

Owner Erik Vasquez told KTLA in Spanish that despite the setbacks, he is still pulling through but wants more help from local authorities.

On Tuesday, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, along with state officials, walked through downtown, looking for and discussing ways of revitalizing the struggling business corridor. An estimated 100 businesses have left the area since the height of the pandemic.

"We're looking forward as we update our downtown plan, our shoreline plan," the mayor said. "What's the future look like?"

People who live and work in downtown Long Beach say that crime and homelessness are major factors in driving out businesses.

"It's definitely scaring customers away," Carla Magana, who works in Long Beach, told KTLA. "We're very fearful to walk to our cars."

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The goal, according to officials, is to get a handle on the crime rate, but many downtown businesses and residents wonder if it's already too late.

"To the thieves, I promise you, there is nothing of value you can take in here. We leave the register open on purpose so they can see there is no cash, nothing on the premises," Zaragoza said. "Hopefully, now, there's a little more punishment for this. Otherwise, I don't know how long we can stay open if things like this keep happening."

A GoFundMe campaign has been organized for La Esquinta Mexican Grill as works to repair the damage done to the restaurant yet again.