Several small businesses in downtown Walnut Creek, California, have recently been targeted by burglars, sparking concerns among local business owners. One of the latest businesses to be hit is Tellus Coffee on North Main Street. Following the burglary, the owner is now considering going cashless, a move that could potentially impact customers.
Over the past month, Walnut Creek police have investigated multiple downtown burglaries, causing a wave of unease among business owners.
At Tellus Coffee, surveillance cameras captured two individuals, one of whom appears to be a pregnant woman, breaking in and stealing cash. Shop owner Janay McCullough referred to the experience as violating and unsettling. The burglars stole $450 in cash on the night of August 7.
Tellus Coffee is just one of more than seven downtown businesses that have been targeted by burglars over the past month. McCullough notes an uptick in crime, citing her own witnessing of a robbery at Nordstrom and the burglary of a neighboring business.
While Walnut Creek police have recently made an arrest in connection with several break-ins in July, McCullough believes there needs to be a stronger police presence downtown. The police department has now deployed a new five-member detail to work in the downtown area in an effort to prevent further burglaries.
To address concerns about the increase in downtown crime and to outline their plans, the Walnut Creek Police Department will be hosting an information session next week for small businesses. The session is scheduled to take place Tuesday at the library, beginning at 3:30 p.m.