Haris Ahmed arrived at work Monday morning to find the front door of his business completely smashed and his cash register missing.
The owner of Shawarma Box Cambridge on Hespeler Road found the same thing next door at Red Swan Pizza and Galito's Flame Grilled Chicken.
Ahmed said all three businesses were hit in the same way; front door smashed and cash register ripped off the counter, pulled wires left broken and dangling.
Security cameras captured the entire incident, which happened at around 4:30 a.m. The footage has been turned over to police as evidence and Ahmed is hopeful images will be released if police need help identifying the culprit.
Ahmed said the loss of what "little" amount of cash he kept in the machine for the daily float isn't what's the most troubling for the business owner.
It's the violation and damage to his five-year-old business at a time when all restaurants are struggling with inflation and a weak economy.
Waterloo regional police confirmed on Dec. 16 around 6 a.m., police responded to the triple smash-and-grab at 545 Hespeler Rd.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are also warning business owners after responding to multiple break and enters yesterday and today.
In many of the incidences, the suspects forcefully made entry by either breaking windows or doors during early hours of the morning.
Police are continuing the investigation to determine if the incidents are connected.
Police are reminding business owners of the following:
- Make sure all security devices are in working order
- Report any suspicious activity that may be observed during and after business hours
- Contact 911 immediately if you find your business broken into, and do not enter before police arrival
Police are asking anyone who witnesses any suspicious behavior or a crime in progress to contact police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.
