Help Needed to Identify Suspect in Miami Food Truck Burglaries: Here's How It Happened

A collective of small businesses in Miami is grappling with a challenging situation following a spate of burglaries at a well-known food truck plaza. Captured on surveillance footage, the suspect is believed to have returned at least twice, forcing entry, disconnecting equipment, and causing over five thousand dollars in damages, according to the business owners themselves.

Repeated Thefts at the Same Location

The incidents occurred at the food truck plaza situated at 633 NE 79th St, Miami. In less than a month, several entrepreneurs have reported significant impacts on their businesses. Surveillance cameras captured a man stealthily moving between the stalls, using a screwdriver to pry open doors and tamper with equipment.

During his first intrusion, he targeted four food trucks. In a subsequent return, he attacked three additional businesses. "The worst part isn't what he took, it's the damage he caused. With materials, labor, and losses combined, we've exceeded five thousand dollars," explained Yeikel Santos, one of those affected. "Today, we have to either close or work partially to make repairs."

Business owners recount that the suspect initially entered the premises with his face covered, but during the second attempt, he appeared without a mask, allowing clearer images of his face to be captured.

How Did He Get In and What Was Taken?

Although the plaza is fenced, owners suspect the intruder accessed it from the rear, cutting off the power to disable some cameras. "It seems he tapped into our electricity, and once the power was cut, the cameras stopped recording," one merchant recounted.

The primary items stolen were delivery service tablets and their chargers, crucial tools for managing orders and sales. "Fortunately, the money wasn't in the register, but he took all the tablets from the platforms and even the chargers," another owner elaborated.

The case had its bizarre moments too. Andy Molina, who had just set up his truck at the plaza, humorously noted that even "a six-pack of beer" intended for the grand opening was among the stolen items.

A Double Blow for Small Businesses

The biggest hit, the affected owners insist, isn't the value of the stolen goods but the additional costs of repairs and the revenue lost from downtime. Broken locks, damaged display cases, ripped wiring, and disabled electrical systems add to the expense. "Every day not selling is money lost. We've installed alarms and reinforced the doors with locks. We must persevere," said another owner, resigned to spending even more to bolster security.

Ongoing Investigation

The Miami Police Department is handling the investigation. They have collected fingerprints and are reviewing videos that clearly show the alleged perpetrator. Authorities have asked the community to assist with any information that might help locate him. Those with information can reach out to the Miami Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously.