7 restaurants burglarized in Rancho Santa Margarita

Seven restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita were burglarized around 4 a.m. on Saturday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Security footage captured at one location shows two suspects used power tools to break into locked safes. Authorities said they also stole safes that had not been adequately anchored to the ground.

Images released by the Sheriff’s Department showed two suspects were clad in black clothing and hats.

No arrests had been announced as of Sunday afternoon.

Lulu’s Cafe, Luna Grill, Mountain Mike’s Pizza and La Fiesta Mexican Grill were among the businesses affected, according to management and workers at the establishments. Sgt. Mike Woodroof said the suspects targeted several locations, including three restaurants in one strip mall area.

Susan Bhosle, the owner of Lulu’s Cafe, said the burglars entered through the patio side near the coffee station, broke the glass door, then stole cash from the register. She said the repairs cost more than the money that was stolen.

Source: Orange County Register