NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Surveillance video of a burglary at a popular South Nashville cafe shows a car driving through the business and a man stealing cash and even a Coke to go.
Metro Police crime statistics show a recent increase in commercial burglaries in the area, and police said several business break-ins may be related.
On Friday morning, Luis Cortes, the owner of the Red Bicycle Coffee Shop on Nolensville Pike, was concerned about the security of his business and had to clean up the mess after the overnight break-in.
He told FOX 17 News that although his restaurant was open and customers came to show their support, it had been tough.
“I’m shocked, it’s unbelievable,” he said.
It was anything but business as usual and he is still struggling with what happened.
“The entire frame is broken here. Someone simply drove into it with their car, put it in reverse and knocked the entire door out,” he said, pointing to the damage.
The incident was recorded on video from a surveillance camera.
The front of the store could be seen being demolished by a gray sedan, and a person wearing a mask climbed over the wreckage and went to the cash register, even grabbing a Diet Coke on the way out.
According to police, the suspect stole $200. However, the damage is considerably higher.
“Somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000,” Cortes said.
Crime statistics show 17 commercial burglaries in the southern district for the period from June 9 to July 6 and 31 burglaries for the period from July 7 to August 3, an increase of 82.4%.
A video from earlier this week at Vape USA on Nolensville Pike shows a trio attempting to break in. The car unsuccessfully attempts to back through a security door. It is unclear if these two incidents are related.
“We cannot afford to have armed security here all the time, but we definitely want more lighting, more security and more surveillance cameras,” Cortes said.
The city police announced that they would increase patrols in the area for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, Cortes’ customers are behind him.
“We just wanted to stop by and support each other,” said one customer, Rick Lay.
The suspect is not in custody.
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