BEAUMONT, Texas — Two Beaumont businesses are picking up the pieces after they were broken into late Saturday night.
Beaumont Police say a man broke into Marisela's Tamales off Walden Road around 10 p.m. Saturday before walking down to a nearby State Farm office and breaking in there, too.
The owner of Marisela's Tamales says the accused burglar stole hundreds of dollars and beer from the family-owned restaurant.
Employees from State Farm say nothing was taken from their location that they know of.
Israel Ahumada and his family own and operate Marisela's Tamales. They say it hurts to have someone break into their small restaurant and take from them.
Ahumada was sitting at home Sunday morning when he got a call that the front door at his business was shattered.
"I'm gonna be honest with you, you know, it makes me mad," he said.
He says the man in surveillance video stole more than $400 from two cash registers and their tip jar, plus some beer.
Ahumada says after the man broke into a nearby State Farm office, he came back to Marisela's, possibly looking for a safe and more money.
"There's no need for that, man. I mean c'mon. The guy he's moving around, he can get a job you know. I don't see why not," Ahumada said.
Ahumada is grateful no one was hurt in the break in, but says the damages will likely cost him over $1,000.
Beaumont police ask folks to please call 409-832-1234 if they have any info on where the suspect could be.
Beaumont police officer Haley Morrow says the man used a large rock to break into the businesses.
She says the fact Marisela's caught the man on surveillance though could be a game changer.
"It can come in handy in the event that you or someone nearby is the victim of a crime whether that's a property crime or a crime against a person," she said.
Ahumada says he's already planning to beef up security at Marisela's following Saturday's break in.
"Cameras and a security system, alarms to alert the police, fire departments and stuff," he said.
Ahumada says it could take weeks to get a new door and replace the two cash registers.