ST. LOUIS — For the fourth time in six months, vandals have hit DB’s Sports Bar.
According to owner Justin Gibson, security cameras caught the break-in just before 4 a.m. on Thursday. Gibson, who has co-owned the bar for 15 years, recently voiced his concerns over the rising crime in Soulard.
A witness told police suspects threw a brick through the front window. Police spotted the front door was also shattered.
"It's painful. painful. We're barely cutting costs. Inflation is out of control and now we're fixing our restaurant at the same time," Gibson said.
Surveillance video captured three people driving up and exiting a white Hyundai Elantra that was missing a front license plate at 3:30 a.m.
Thieves were covered up in ski masks and sweatshirts using bricks to smash the business's front window, but they didn't get past the front door.
“John's donuts scared them off. They are here early,” Gibson added.
Shortly after that incident, St. Louis police reports confirmed officers responded to a call for a “Burglary in the building” at the Chava’s Mexican Restaurant on Geyer Avenue at 4:30 a.m.
When officers arrived, they noticed the front door was open and that entry had been made from the rear door, which suffered a broken lock and door frame.
Chris Ybarra who owns the restaurant told 5 On Your Side he caught two men dressed in black, faces covered, who had carried the safe out on surveillance footage.
Early Tuesday at around 4:30 a.m., there was a similar sight at The Island STL Frozen Liqueurs & Frozen Yogurt on Russell Boulevard.
Thieves could also be seen on surveillance video driving up in a red Hyundai Elantra and hopping out with a gun.
The group of three smashed the window and headed for the cash register.
The video detailed a black sweatshirt and ski mask that could be recognized from the incident at DB’s.
In and out in three minutes, Jason Stone who owns the frozen drink business says they got away with cash from his backroom.
“Business is hard enough. When you have to add this on top. it makes it extremely tough,” Stone said.
The business owners agreed the measures they're taking to secure their properties, including cameras and security, could not be the only solution.
"Officers. Consequences. Anything. Something. I would like to see something," Gibson said.
“Life is precious and I hope that these kids, somebody can talk to them and get them on the right track,” Stone added.
St. Louis Police confirmed at least five break-ins between Downtown and Soulard in the last two days
“While we are unable to definitively say these incidents are connected at this time, investigators are looking at all available evidence to determine any relation between the incidents,” a spokesperson said.
Security cameras outside of DB’s have captured 47 car break-ins this year alone, Gibson said. In the past 15 years, Gibson said the business has been broken into five times with four instances occurring in the past six months.
Gibson has taken steps to protect his patrons by adding security cameras and signs around his property.
“We had to hire another security guard just to strictly watch our parking lot,” said Gibson. “We try to encourage all customers to park out back, we need just help all around."
Anyone with any information about the break-ins is being asked to call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.