WASHINGTON — The community is rallying around a long-time D.C. restaurant that's become the latest victim in a string of break-ins in the area.
Las Placitas has been in D.C. for more than three decades in Navy Yard. In fact, the Mexican and Salvadoran restaurant founded by three brothers just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Now, the community is calling for support after the restaurant was broken into on Tuesday.
According to a police report, someone broke the large glass window in front of the restaurant, located 8th and L streets Southeast, grabbed $100 from the register and took off. The police report estimates the window would cost $2,000 to fix.
Upon hearing about what happened, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner took to social media to spread the word.
"Please support the restaurant by visiting them and ordering food said K. Denise Rucker Krepp on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Others on social media expressed sadness about the break-in and called on the DC Council to do more to address crime in the city.
Nowadays, most restaurants are dealing with credit not cash. That's why owner Isadoro Amaya was confused and shocked by the early morning break-in that felt like an unnecessary violation.
"When someone breaks into our place it's like someone breaking into our house," Amaya said.
That's because Las Placitas is his second home – starting the business shortly after arriving from El Salvador. Amaya said their loyal customers kept the kitchen cooking through the years, even when they were limited to carryout and outdoor dining during the pandemic. So, this burglary is personal.
Ryan Simmons said, "This place is a pillar in the community so seeing a gathering place like this getting broken into you get angry."
Bill Huntington said, "I was surprised but at the same time not because of everything you read in the news about what's happening at the Navy Yard."
Amaya said, "It's really sad for us because this is the first time it's happened to us but it is what it is. This situation is happening all over the city."
The restaurant's surveillance cameras captured the criminal in the act – rifling through the register, but many say more police patrols could have prevented the break-in.
Huntington said, "Recently just out of control; something has to happen. I think the mayor is trying to do the right thing its just not hitting yet.
When asked what the city doing to support small businesses getting hit by burglaries, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said, "Oh the list is long – grants and bridge programs. If they have concerns they should definitely call us."
While the owner says this is the first time they've been burglarized, he says there have been a rash of break-ins of small businesses in Barracks Row and Navy Yard. He's hoping the city can step up police patrols to keep these small businesses safe.
So far, no arrests have been made in this case. Anyone who may have additional information for investigators are asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099, or text the department's tip line at 50411.