El Dorado police are investigating burglaries that recently occurred at three local restaurants, several weeks after two other restaurants were burglarized.
Approximately $1640 in cash and change was reportedly stolen during the break-ins, which were reported June 25 and 26 at Goodcents, 220 W. 10th; Papa Poblano’s, 1650 N. West Ave.; and Buffet Palace, 2740 N. West Ave., according to police reports.
While on routine patrol during the early morning hours of June 25, officers noticed the glass had been busted out of the rear door of Buffet Palace. They also said the door was ajar.
Police said the cash drawer was missing from the restaurant and the owner of the business said the drawer contained a total of $1,600 in cash and change.
Officers said the burglary was captured on surveillance video and the suspect wore gloves, a mask and a hooded sweatshirt.
A few hours later, officers responded to a report of a burglary at Papa Poblano’s, which is about four blocks south of Buffet Palace.
The owner of the business said the suspect took $30 - $40 in change.
Police said that burglary was also captured on surveillance video. The suspect wore a white “cover suit.” The suspect also wore a hood on his head and his face was covered, officers noted.
On June 26, the owner of Goodcents told police that someone broke into the business and stole four money bags. Employees said the bags did not contain any cash.
Police said the suspect(s) switched off the main power breaker to the business, similar to actions that were taken during burglaries that were reported May 31 at Chicken Express, 2209 N. West Ave., and Arby’s, 1000 N. West Ave.
Police were called to Chicken Express at approximately 7 a.m. and while investigating the scene, they said it appeared the suspect(s) used a junction box to shut off power to the business prior to entering the building.
A safe containing $1,200 cash was reported missing. Police said several items inside the business had been disturbed and the glass was shattered in the employee entrance door.
Five hours earlier, officers responded to a report of a burglary at Arby’s, where it also appeared that the suspect(s) had shut off the power to the business.
Police said a glass door and a cash register were damaged. No items were reported missing.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.