BEDFORD, Texas — Several small businesses in the mid-cities were burglarized early Tuesday morning.
According to Bedford police, three incidents occurred at three businesses off of Airport Freeway.
Surveillance footage shows that at around midnight, a masked person smashed through a glass door at Colossal Sandwich Shop. Footage shows the suspect entering the restaurant, jumping over the counter, and removing several items.
According to the owner, Jonathan Merrill, it’s the third time his business has been burglarized in the last two years.
“I couldn’t believe it happened again,” Merrill said.
Merrill told WFAA the suspect got away with around $50 and an iPhone Tuesday. It’s not much, but the damage to several windows will cost hundreds.
Bedford police confirmed a total of three businesses were burglarized on Tuesday, including Bedford Ice House and Urban Air Trampoline Park. All three businesses are located off of Airport Freeway.
Police said they believe the same person is responsible for all three incidents, but the investigation is ongoing. Police are hoping to gather better surveillance footage to identify a suspect.
Merrill plans to install better lighting around his business and purchase an enhanced security system.
“I feel like the day I have to put bars on my windows is the day I might not want to be in a business that has cash. That just doesn’t seem right,” Merrill said.
In addition to the incidents in Bedford, another business less than seven miles away was also hit on Tuesday. At around 3 a.m., surveillance footage from Big Apple Cafe along Trinity Blvd in Fort Worth showed four masked individuals with crowbars break into the restaurant.
The owner, Joe Gallant, said the suspects entered his office, damaged equipment, broke into the restaurant’s ATM and got away with between three to $6,000.
“I’m frustrated,” Gallant said. “You run a business, you work your butt off for 32 years and this is what it comes to.”
Gallant said the burglary hurts his bottom line because the restaurant industry is already challenging enough due to rising costs.
“It’s a sad situation,” Gallant said. “God bless us that nobody was hurt.”
Merrill took to social media to share the news of the burglary. Immediately, customers stopped by in droves to offer their support.
“It’s been nonstop,” Merrill said. “The community just stood up for us.”