CLOVIS, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A Clovis family-owned restaurant is reeling after a break-in early Sunday morning left behind thousands of dollars in damages and a shaken sense of security.
Grill Masters Barbeque, located in Clovis, was closed for the day when thieves broke in around 2:17 a.m., according to owner Maribel Aguilar. Surveillance footage shows the suspects prying open a door and using tools to drill their way inside.
Aguilar said the restaurant’s alarm system, provided by Matson Alarm, was triggered immediately. The company attempted to contact her multiple times, but by the time Clovis police arrived, the burglars had already fled.
“They just missed them by one minute,” Aguilar said. “They came in, they were here for about four minutes, they ransacked my office, they ransacked the front counter.”
The suspects made off with about $200 in cash and a MacBook belonging to Aguilar’s daughter. But the damage they left behind is estimated at more than $5,000.
“I just got goosebumps,” Aguilar said. “How am I going to sleep tonight? Are other thieves going to think it’s easy to get back there?”
Grill Masters Barbeque has been serving the Clovis community since 2012. Aguilar said they are now taking steps to increase security and prevent future break-ins.
Despite the setback, the restaurant plans to reopen Monday.
Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to contact the Clovis Police Department. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
