Break-in at Richmond coffee shop caught on camera; police investigating
A Richmond coffee shop says it is out hundreds of dollars – and will need to pay thousands more for repairs – after a thief broke into the business this week.
The incident happened shortly before midnight on Monday, Sept. 19, according to Richmond RCMP.
R Ki Coffee Lab on Lansdowne Road posted surveillance video of the theft to its Instagram page. In it, the thief can be seen outside the restaurant, repeatedly throwing a heavy object against the door. After a few impacts, it shatters and the thief makes his way immediately to the register.
He removes the cash drawer and can be seen looking around the shop for other valuables before the alarm comes on and he leaves.
Co-owner Rus Chan told CTV News that between $200 and $300 in cash was stolen, along with an iPhone and two tablets, one of which was provided by Uber Eats.
“It feels terrible,” said Chan.
He said the cost of replacing the glass door will be more than $2,000.
Richmond RCMP confirmed that they responded to the scene and are investigating. They said they are looking for a person of interest in the case, who was seen leaving the area around the time of the break-in.
Police describe the man as white, in his 30s, and short with "a slim build." He was seen wearing a black, long-sleeved T-shirt and light-coloured pants.
"Richmond RCMP frontline investigators searched the area for the man described above but he was not located," Mounties said in an email.
Chan said this is not the first time the shop has been broken into or vandalized.
Before the business even opened in 2020, thieves broke in and stole a large amount of equipment, including a dishwasher, ovens and a refrigerator.
In August 2021, someone walking by attempted to break the glass door with a big rock but was unsuccessful, and earlier this year, the coffee shop's surveillance camera caught someone smashing the store's patio umbrella and display board.
"So many small business (are) getting trouble and a hard time surviving,” Chan said. “We need to keep running business even the next day.”
Richmond RCMP said their investigation into the latest incident is "active and ongoing." They're asking anyone who witnessed the break-in or has information about it to call them at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2022-25578.
Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.