FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Small business owners in Fresno say they are facing the reality of six break-ins in six months.
Brianna Sullivan, owner of Rocket Dog Brats and Brew on Shaw Avenue, said the cost of continuing to recover from these break-ins is making it difficult for her business to turn a profit. Told.
“We're a small, family-owned business locally here in Fresno. This is not a franchise,” Brianna Sullivan said.
Sullivan says his business is unique, offering gourmet sausages and sandwiches.
The location has been open for nearly 10 years, and Sullivan said he took over ownership last year. But in recent months, there has been break-in after break-in.
She describes multiple consecutive break-ins. From the ones that closed during the Christmas holidays to the more recent ones.
“Unlock the gate and steal beer kegs from the back. They took five or six kegs and it cost a few hundred dollars,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said that on one occasion, the suspect had only had beer and soda before breaking in. The suspect returned the next day to apologize.
“He came the next day and I recognized him from the surveillance,” she said.
Sullivan said crime continues and he spends a lot of money trying to get his business back on track after each crime.
“The glass door alone cost almost a thousand dollars, adding the security cameras cost another several hundred dollars, and the gate lock cost another hundred dollars. The stolen inventory, my beer, another few hundred dollars,” she said. , I've compiled a list of additional costs well over $2,000. “I sell hot dogs, and I also sell affordable food. It takes a lot of effort to get back what I paid.”
She had the police come and investigate the crime. Sullivan understands that owning your own business always comes with some risk, but right now, with the constant theft, she's worried she won't be able to continue running her business. Masu.
Sullivan said he is also working on investing more in lighting and cameras. Her father, also a small business owner, once tried to secure a parking lot overnight to deter crime.
