SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A string of burglaries in San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood has business owners on alert after a gold coin and silver shop was targeted in broad daylight.
Hector Rivas, who owns Old Town Coins and Antiques, said thieves recently stole thousands of dollars worth of rare coins from his store.
“Coins remind me so much of my dad, but now they’re just giving me bad memories,” Rivas said.
Surveillance video shows a man pocketing gold and silver coins while distracting staff. Rivas said the suspects took about $8,000 in merchandise.
“Individuals came into the store while my daughter was working that day,” he said. “They’re asking about coins, they’re asking about silver, and every chance they had they start pocketing coins.”
Other businesses nearby have also been hit. Martha Perez, who works at a clothing store down the street, said she arrived one morning to find the front window smashed.
“The window was broke, I was kind of scared, there was a big rock in the front,” Perez said.
San Diego police told Rivas they are investigating multiple cases and urged business owners in the area to stay cautious. Rivas said detectives have identified one suspect, but no arrests have been announced.
He said the theft has left him questioning whether to keep his business open.
“Now that this happened, it makes me want to leave after being here for just a year,” Rivas said.
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