Just after 1 AM on Thursday, a pair of masked burglars smashed through the glass front door of Galū Café & Delicatessen on Third Avenue in Chula Vista, slipped inside, rummaged through the register, then took off, according to the owners. The break-in left the small business rattled and staring at an estimated $800 repair bill, but the owners say no merchandise has been reported missing.
As reported by FOX5 San Diego, co-owners Paulina and Francisco Marquez shared their surveillance video and posted the clip online to warn neighboring businesses. The cafe sits just one block from the Chula Vista Police Department, a detail not lost on locals who work late along the busy commercial strip. FOX5 also noted that a nearby pizza shop and another business in Bonita suffered similar front-door damage, suggesting the incident is part of a broader string of break-ins.
Surveillance Footage Shows Method
NBC 7 San Diego aired footage that shows two suspects in dark clothing pulling up to the cafe, using what appears to be a handheld tool to shatter the glass, then reaching in to unlock the door before walking inside. The video supports the owners’ account that the pair rifled through drawers and registers but did not appear to leave with obvious stolen goods. Even so, that kind of quick, targeted smash-and-enter has nearby shopkeepers feeling jumpy.
Other Shops Hit; Owners Weigh Security Options
According to FOX5 San Diego, a pizza restaurant close to the cafe was also hit, and a separate business in Bonita reported nearly identical damage to its front entrance. In response, the Marquezes say they now plan to install a more advanced alarm system on top of existing precautions.
“We feel disappointed. We are hardworking people,” Francisco Marquez told FOX5, while Paulina Marquez pointed out, “It’s scary because this is a very high-traffic street.” Across the county, ABC 10 News has tracked similar overnight restaurant break-ins, often involving heavy tools and leaving small eateries to absorb costly repair bills.
Police Ask For Tips
The Chula Vista Police Department is investigating and asking for help from anyone who might recognize the suspects or their method. Authorities and local outlets are urging potential witnesses to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers or submit an anonymous tip through official channels.
For details on how to share information, residents can visit the city's tip page or San Diego County Crime Stoppers. As of Friday, police had not announced any arrests in connection with the case.
