A string of burglaries targeting small businesses with thieves using heavy power tools to crack into ATMs and cash registers has become increasingly concerning in the La Mesa area. Deano's Pub, a local establishment, was hit not once but twice a week. The first incident, occurring on June 21, involved an undeterred thief breaking in and attempting to rob the cash register, as reported by FOX 5 San Diego. The business owner, Dean Velasco, shared his frustration, saying, "It's terrifying. It's scary. You just feel helpless," after the burglars later returned more prepared, this time with an accomplice and power tools to assault the ATM, though they ultimately failed to procure any cash.
Following the second break-in, an Instagram post from Deano’s Pub highlighted the futility of the burglars' efforts. "Early this morning at 5:22 AM, this suspect broke into Deano's Pub La Mesa. Thanks to our strict security policies and safety protocols, he got away with absolutely nothing," read the message, as the pub sought help from the public. A silver lining bolstered a plea to make the suspect 'famous' across the internet — the criminal's actions were captured across 12 different camera angles. Despite escaping before the arrival of law enforcement, the high-quality video footage was secured and shared to capture the trespasser.
La Mesa Police Department has alluded to the possibility that these break-ins are interconnected with similar crimes across the county. Small businesses, including Broth & Beyond in Santee, Pazzo's Pizza in Scripps Ranch, and Space Bar in City Heights, have experienced related incidents. As these crimes continue to pose a threat to local commerce and security, the police are continuing to investigate and seek information that may lead to an arrest.
