Business owners in Gilroy are grappling with a surge of break-ins that have occurred over recent weeks, leaving them frustrated and seeking solutions. The incidents have affected multiple establishments in the area, causing property damage and financial strain for the
proprietors.
One of the impacted businesses is Alehouse and Bistro, owned by Janice Albright. Her establishment has fallen victim to two break-ins within a three-week period. Despite the setbacks, Albright feels compelled to keep her doors open, as she requires every dollar to cover the costs of repairs.
“The latest incident has left me with an additional $1000 bill to fix shattered glass doors,” Albright explained. Having operated Alehouse and Bistro for nearly two decades, she was dismayed when her staff arrived on Friday to find broken glass scattered both outside and inside the premises.
According to Albright, the perpetrators used a rock to smash the glass door and managed to steal approximately $50 from the cash register. She noted that this recent break-in bore a striking resemblance to the previous incident.
“We discovered rocks inside the restaurant after someone threw them, causing damage to our property,” Albright recounted. “It’s a serious matter for those of us trying to keep our businesses afloat, working 12-14 hour days without any time off. Many establishments in our position are facing similar challenges.”
The string of break-ins has not been limited to Alehouse and Bistro. In the same plaza on First Street, another eatery fell victim to burglary. Dominic Bozzo, whose family owns Louies Lasagna, revealed that their restaurant was broken into a few weeks before its grand opening.
“An individual approached from the side and shattered a window,” Bozzo explained. “They didn’t take much, just a couple of toolboxes and power drills.” Although Louies Lasagna has since opened its doors to customers, the incident has left Bozzo feeling uneasy.
The impact of these break-ins extends beyond property damage and stolen items. For business owners like Albright and Bozzo, the incidents have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern. The financial burden of repairs and increased security measures adds to the already challenging task of running a successful business.
In response to the news of these break-ins, members of the Gilroy community have rallied to support the affected businesses. Albright expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting an increase in patronage from locals who heard about the incidents.
“The community’s response has been incredible,” Albright remarked. “It’s heartening to see people coming out to show their support during this difficult time.”
As the affected business owners work to recover from these setbacks, questions remain about how to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of local establishments. The series of break-ins has sparked discussions among business owners and community members about potential security improvements and increased vigilance in the area.
For now, entrepreneurs like Albright and Bozzo are left to navigate the aftermath of these break-ins while striving to maintain their businesses. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small business owners and the importance of community support in times of adversity.
As Gilroy grapples with this wave of criminal activity, local authorities are urged to address the concerns of business owners and implement measures to deter future break-ins. The resilience of these entrepreneurs, coupled with the support of their community, will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles and fostering a safer
environment for local businesses to thrive.