Thieves stole nearly $1,000 worth of meat and cheese from Da Boccery, a restaurant in Livermore, California, after it closed early on Tuesday due to the nearby Little Fire.
Employees discovered the theft when they returned to the restaurant on Wednesday. General Manager Mitchell Bryant told CBS that the thieves cut a bolt on the back gate and entered the premises. The initial theft involved a case of burgers and tri-tip. The perpetrators reportedly returned later that night with a friend to steal four more cases of burgers, bacon, and cheese.
"Between myself and our owner, we decided to close early for the safety of the staff and guests," Bryant said. "We come to find out that next day that at 7:30 p.m., somebody had cut the bolt to our back gate, come in and helped themselves to a case of our burgers and tri-tip."
The crime is being investigated by the Livermore Police Department and is classified as grand theft because the value of the stolen property exceeds $950.
Da Boccery, which features activities like golf simulators, axe throwing, and arcades, was one of several local businesses forced to adjust operations because of the Little Fire. The fire burned more than 1,000 acres in Alameda County and was 85% contained as of Wednesday. One firefighter sustained an injury during the incident.
Bryant expressed a hope that the thieves were in a situation where they needed to feed a family or were experiencing other personal difficulties, but noted the frustration of the situation after the business had already been impacted by the wildfire threat.