The restaurant "Luna, Pasta e Dolci" in Miami has been robbed for the fifth time in less than two months, prompting its owners to seek help on social media to keep their business afloat. A security camera captured the moment when a thief smashed the windows on Thursday night to break into the store, open the cash register, and steal the day's earnings.
The thief left empty-handed, but the damages incurred have left the owners with significant expenses. This marks the fifth such incident the restaurant has experienced. Chef Gabriel Medici, the restaurant's owner, explained that there was nothing of value to steal, forcing the would-be thief to leave quickly. "It all happened in under a minute and a half," Medici said. "These people are highly trained; they are young. The police told me they caught the previous thief, so this is a new one. It all sounds the same; it's like a trend," he told 7NewsMiami despondently.
In the first robbery, the thief made off with between $150 and $200 from the cash register. A week later, they returned and stole another $150. Since then, the restaurant staff has decided not to keep any money in the register. Luna, Pasta e Dolci opened in 2018 and is located on Biscayne Boulevard at the intersection of Northeast 69th Street. While it's in a lovely area, it faces the challenges of criminal activity, particularly at night.
During these robberies, the restaurant owners have lost two computer monitors (each valued at $1,000), an iPad, connectivity cables, and five glass windows, each costing $1,500. "It's incredibly stressful," said Medici, who is overwhelmed by the expenses required to restore the business as soon as possible. "We are a family-owned business and recently expanded our locations, which was a significant investment for us in terms of construction, money, larger staff, and many more expenses," they commented in a post where they shared the video and asked for support from their followers through a GoFundMe account.
Mike Vega, a spokesperson for the Miami Police, asked the public to help apprehend this elusive thief. He also advised business owners to always empty their cash registers and leave them open before closing to indicate that there is no money inside.
Luna, Pasta e Dolci is renowned for its excellent Italian cuisine and has been a beloved spot in the community, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Since its opening, Gabriel Medici has successfully created a warm and inviting environment that perfectly complements the exquisite culinary offerings.
Understanding the Recent Robberies at Luna, Pasta e Dolci
With the recent spate of robberies at Luna, Pasta e Dolci, there are many questions the community and patrons might have. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the situation.
How many times has Luna, Pasta e Dolci been robbed recently?
The restaurant has been robbed five times in less than two months.
What did the thief take during the most recent robbery?
The thief didn't find any money during the most recent robbery but caused significant damage to the property.
What measures has the restaurant taken to prevent further theft?
The restaurant has decided not to keep any money in the cash register and has increased security measures.
How can the community support Luna, Pasta e Dolci?
The community can support the restaurant by donating through their GoFundMe account and spreading awareness.