A San Francisco restaurant in Lower Pacific Heights was burglarized earlier this month, losing thousands of dollars in stolen equipment and premium bottles of liquor.
Mediterranean restaurant Noosh, located at 2001 Fillmore St., was broken into in the early hours of Nov. 2 after two individuals forced their way into the back entrance, KRON4 reports. In surveillance footage shared with the outlet, the thieves can be seen prying open a storage room and taking dozens of liquor bottles stored inside.
“The break-in was a violation of our space and our home,” John Litz, owner of Noosh, told SFGATE via email. “Everyone works so hard, continuously pushing through the challenges during this unprecedented time.”
According to KRON4, the unidentified people made several trips back and forth to the restaurant during a period of three hours. They used a getaway vehicle as well as a rental bike and an e-scooter to transport the liquor bottles and other equipment, such as point-of-sale terminals, from Noosh. A police investigation is underway, Litz told SFGATE.
Litz added that losing his point-of-sales terminals was the “most critical tool” taken that prevented him from opening his business for two days. He wasn’t sure how much the total damages and stolen goods will cost him, but he estimates it’s in the thousands.
“It’s a sad realization to think there really isn’t a neighborhood in SF where small-business owners and larger retail stores are free of crime and vandalism,” Litz said.
Noosh is a Mediterranean restaurant located at 2001 Fillmore St. in San Francisco.
Sailaja B. on YelpOther San Francisco restaurants have been the target of break-ins throughout the year, with at least 210 reported break-ins from January to August, according to data provided to SFGATE by the San Francisco Police Department. Despite headlines, SFGATE found that the number of reported break-ins at San Francisco restaurants and bars during the same period in 2021 and 2020 has trended downward in 2022.
Nevertheless, having fewer burglary incidents hasn’t made it less stressful for business owners who are left to pick up the pieces. Litz said that he hopes the community can work together and look out after one another to help prevent future crimes.
“If anyone sees unusual behavior or activity … please let the local surrounding business know and also take the time to report it to authorities,” Litz said. “Your thoughtfulness may prevent others from experiencing unnecessary hardship.”
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