PORTLAND, Oregon — The owners of two Northeast Portland restaurants are frustrated after back-to-back break-ins.
At around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, security video showed four masked suspects breaking into Gabbiano's on Northeast 30th near Killingworth Street.
"They were in and out in less than 10 minutes," said Heather Wallberg, the owner. "It was very organized."
Wallberg said the suspects stole cash and tequila. She said it was the restaurant's fourth break-in since opening two years ago.
"This one was very scary for us because they had guns this time around," Wallberg said.
Less than an hour later and three miles away, there was a similar break-in at Bar Asha on Northeast 28th near Glisan Street. Security video once again showed four masked suspects shattering the glass door. Two of them hopped over the bar. They got away with cash and more high-end tequila.
Bar owner Ben Preacher said a witness saw the group arrive in what appeared to be a gray Toyota RAV4. Preacher said each time his businesses have been broken into, police have done little to help.
"Responding officers have declined to investigate further due to 'limited resources,'" Preacher said.
KGW reached out to Portland police about both cases and is waiting for a response.
"It's a strong community within the food and beverage industry," Wallberg said. "But it feels like the city and the police are not hearing us and knowing it."
Walberg is urging other small businesses to safeguard their property with security cameras, alarms, and knowledge of what's happening since she said it feels like they're on their own.
"It’s pretty frustrating for all of us," Wallberg said.