The same suspect was caught on multiple cameras hitting six different restaurants on consecutive nights.
KATY, Texas – People at a Katy-area mall are on edge.
Six restaurants were hit in consecutive nights in the Asian city of Katy, and on Friday, thieves followed a man from a bank to his business to rob him in broad daylight.
“I looked to the right and saw my passenger window broken,” said Angel Arteaga.
Arteaga didn’t think it would happen to him. The thieves smashed the window and went to the cash in the center console. Investigators believe he was followed back to Katy Asian Town after withdrawing about $1,000 from the bank.
“I was in shock, I didn’t expect it to happen in this area”, said Arteaga. “This is supposed to be a safe zone.”
But it is happening much more often. This was just the latest crime this week.
Lava Coffee and Dessert and Fork It and Ding Tea Katy were hit back-to-back early Tuesday morning. Surveillance video captured the suspect throwing a rock through the window to enter the locally owned tea shop around 2am.
“I would say it’s a crime spree,” said business owner Noah Godin.
The next night, the same suspect struck again. This time he targeted Black Pearl Seafood Bar. Surveillance photos got a good look at his face. He also hit the Break Time Tea Lounge. Their door is still damaged.
But he didn’t finish. He also robbed Yummy Pho and the cameras were rolling when he walks into Beard Papas K-Town and heads straight for the register. There are three other businesses hit all within an hour.
Things are getting worse in my opinion,” Arteaga said. “Who’s to say they’re not telling their mates that this area is good for hitting, I did it a few times two days in a row and nothing happened to me.”
Businesses are already seeing an impact.
“We’re all struggling in this,” Godin said.
Godin owns Allegiant Gaming. He has not been hit, but worries that he is next. He tells KHOU 11 News one breach is a lot and it’s leading to a downturn in business at the worst possible time.
“We’re all family businesses, it affects our families, it affects us, and it’s really unfortunate for everyone involved,” Godin said.
Katy Asian Town now has security guards patrolling from midnight to 6am
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating this latest string of burglaries. If you recognize the man in the surveillance video, call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
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