Denver Police are investigating a string of burglaries in the last month that may be related.
The most recent thefts happened early Monday at two northwest Denver restaurants.
Doug Schepman, a spokesman for the Denver Police Department, said the first was about 2:30 a.m. at Snarf’s Sandwiches, 5001 W. 38th Ave.
The second call came at about 4 a.m. at Il Porcellino, 4324 W. 41st Ave.
In both cases, police believe three suspects broke into the shops by breaking glass, and then took the cash registers. In both cases, police are looking for an SUV, described as silver in one case, and “light-colored” in another.
Bill Miner, co-owner of Il Porcellino, said the thieves didn’t make off with much because the cash register was empty overnight.
“It’s just a big inconvenience,” Miner said.
Miner said he was told the thieves shot a bullet through the restaurant’s glass door to break in. Il Porcellino did not have any security cameras, but Miner said he is considering installing some now.
Schepman said police are also investigating the connection to about “half a dozen” similar burglaries in the last month.
One earlier theft was at another Denver restaurant, Onefold, on April 3.
Owner Mark Nery, said ambulance paramedics witnessed the burglary of his restaurant, which is just across from Saint Joseph Hospital.
“The ambulance turned on the sirens,” Nery said. “Tried to scare them away.”
Nery said the neighborhood still feels safe, despite the break-in.
Schepman said police are looking for any information about the burglaries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372, yrobles@denverpost.com or @yeseniarobles
