CMPD searching for thieves accused of stealing from bars & restaurants in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — A startling trend appears to be happening in Charlotte. Thieves targeting bars and restaurants, stealing thousands of dollars worth of liquor. Leaving small businesses worried for their safety and their bottom dollar.

CMPD released images showing thieves stealing thousands of dollars worth of liquor from multiple bar and restaurants around south Charlotte.

According to CMPD, the first business was broken into on January 30th in LoSo. Similar burglaries happened five more times within the last two months.

Kabuto Japanese Steak House & Sushi was robbed twice in that time.

“The first time he just yanked on our front door until he got it open. Came straight in, went to the bar as if he knew exactly what he was going for,” said Kabuto manager, Kendall Posey.

Posey said each time they were hit, the thieves got away with $1,000 worth of liquor.

From a seafood restaurant, to a family friendly bar, and even a pickleball business, it doesn’t appear the thieves cared where they stole from. CMPD posted this video on Tuesday saying this type of theft isn’t just happening in south Charlotte.

Posey tells us there area off Tyvola has had it’s share of issues with homeless.

“I think that everyone in the area is concerned because it’s escalating quicker than we expected,” Posey said of the crime.

Posey and other businesses in the area hope this string of burglaries will force CMPD to patrol their area more often.

CMPD said each case happened after business hours. In some incidents they not only stole a lot of liquor but also caused significant damage to the building.