NORTH FORK – Once again a business in North Fork has been hit by burglars, this time popular Mexican Restaurant La Cabana.
Early this morning just before 1 a.m., a neighbor of the restaurant happened to look out her window and see a pair of feet going in through one of the take-out windows.
There was also someone standing by the dumpster in the parking lot near a dark colored small car, either a Toyota or a Honda, they assumed.
The witness yelled at the burglars, and they ran to the car and drove away, headed south on Road 200. The witness then called 911, and a Sheriff’s deputy was at the scene within 10 minutes or so.
The burglars reportedly had broken the rear door, apparently with the idea that it had access into the restaurant, only to discover that was the bathroom. So they went to the front and broke out one of the take-out windows, and one of them crawled inside, while the other waited outside by the car.
The thieves made off with a cash register, which was empty, a 12-pack of beer, and a couple bottles of wine. When the witness yelled at them, the one holding the wine dropped it in the parking lot, jumped into the car and left with the empty cash register.
Owners Miguel and Patricia Arce drove to town to assess the damage and meet with law enforcement, and let them know what was missing. CHP were issued a Be On The Lookout, and patrolled the surrounding roads for the car, but were unable to locate it.
The car was described as a small sedan, either dark blue or black. The suspects were reportedly wearing dark clothing, and the witness couldn’t tell if they were male or female.
A friend of the family says a cash register was located in a dumpster in Oakhurst, but it didn’t belong to the Arce’s, who had to purchase a new one today.
Patricia Arce says the restaurant will be open as usual, serving up a weekly special of calamari fajitas in response to a request by a long-time customer.
Anyone with any information regarding this crime is urged to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770. You can remain anonymous.
