LA MESA, California – On Saturday night, Sept. 14, about 10:30 p.m., burglars broke the lock box off the front door and came in looking for money. They emptied the register and the safe. Chris Leyvas, manager and a part owner, said he was not sure how much they got away with, but it was cash that needed to be deposited in the bank. Leyvas mentioned it could have been a lot worse and was very thankful no one was working or in the restaurant at that time.
“The burglary appeared to be a random act and not a hate crime or antisemitic” Leyvas stated.
Leyvas said he and his partners learned from this incident, have already made security changes, and will no longer think everything is safe just because the door is locked. Leyvas mentioned the neighboring restaurant Subway got broken into two years ago. Similarly, those burglars were looking for cash.
La Mesa Pizza Works is a kosher pizzeria also owned by Yuda and Sarah Piha. It is certified kosher through the San Diego VAAD.
Police linked the break-in to a series of burglaries which they had been investigating. “In the past month, we have received reports from seven different restaurants in La Mesa,” La Mesa Police spokesperson Katy Lynch stated. “The thieves seem to be targeting smaller restaurants and have included an ice cream shop and Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican food restaurants. Some of our neighboring jurisdictions have experienced similar burglaries, all of which are targeting restaurants and involve the theft of cash from the business.”
She added: “The investigation into the burglary at La Mesa Pizza Works is ongoing and our patrol officers will be increasing patrols in the area. Anyone with possible information is encouraged to contact the La Mesa Police Department’s Investigation Unit at 619-667-1400. They may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). They can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.”
There had been some concern in the Jewish community that the burglary had been the work of antisemites, but Lynch said reassuringly, “There is no evidence indicating this was a hate crime.”
The Piha’s said they are thankful for all of the support they have gotten so far and suggested if people are hungry for pizza to stop by La Mesa Pizza Works at 7406 University Avenue to show their support. The restaurant is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Fridays it is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed Saturdays. Click here for the menu.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.