Smash and Grab Burglars Hit Dana Point, South County Hard

LAKE FOREST, CA - Investigators are still trying to determine if the same culprits are behind a smash and grab burglary spree targeting restaurants all over South Orange County.

Nine businesses were broken into Friday night from midnight to 11a.m. in Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, San Juan Capistrano, and Dana Point. In each case, the thieves forced their way into the restaurants, making off with cash or entire cash registers, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Mark Stichter.

“The burglaries do appear to be similar in the sense that there is forced entry to the restaurants,” Stichter said.

There were no witnesses to any of the thefts, according to authorities. In each case, the burglars smashed their way in and quickly made off with the cash. Either alarms alerted the authorities or employees discovered the thefts the next morning, Stichter said.

“They (the thefts) were discovered from midnight until 11 a.m.,” Stichter said. “We are still trying to determine exactly when they occurred in the night.”

Lake Forest was hit hardest with thefts at four El Toro Road restaurants including Dream Dinners, Flame Broiler, Thai Corner and Mr. Wok, said Stichter.

The thieves also broke into Dana Point’s Casanova Ristorante on Del Obispo Street and Mahe on Dana Point Harbor Drive. In Mission Viejo, they targeted Antonucci’s on Alicia Parkway and Don Gustavo’s Mexican Grill on Marguerite Parkway. They also hit San Juan Capistrano’s Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar on Ortega Highway.

The burglaries are the latest in a string of brazen smash and grab thefts targeting South Orange County businesses over night. In late March, thieves broke into a Mission Viejo liquor store and a Dana Point Taqueria, stealing entire cash registers in both case.

Investigators are warning businesses to take precautions.

“Be prepared. Have an alarm system, and watch out for each other,” said Stichter. “If you see something, say something.”

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.