Multiple Indio businesses vandalized in one week, owners speak out
Athena Jreij
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – In the past week, local business owners claim nearly 10 small businesses in Indio have been broken into and vandalized.
At CV BBQ in Indio, owner Sean Smith says their front glass door was broken earlier this week. The perpetrator stole the cash register and electronics in the restaurant.
“Intruder came in, decided to break-in through our door here and then proceed to take our cash box items inside, do damage and take off vandalism and take off,” Smith said.
Smith says this is the second time this year that vandalism has occurred on the property and that it’s happened consistently for the past 3 years, with no arrests.
CV BBQ is just one of several businesses targeted this week, along with Indio Florist, who also had their door smashed through.
Owners say Daily Grind Coffee and Juicing, and a Mexican restaurant were also vandalized, along with several others bringing the total to 10 businesses.
Jennifer Colin-Ortiz with Indio Florist says it’s also not their first time being targeted.
“The last couple times we had our vehicle battery stolen, we had our catalyctic converter stolen. We’ve had our air conditioning unit vandalized, our windows broken, and merchandise as well,” Colin-Ortiz said.
For business owners who love the community they serve, the smash and grabs have hit them hard both emotionally and financially.
“It’s something that no one looks forward to finding out when you come to work. You really put your blood, sweat and tears into your business. Just bringing what you do to the small community. Being a small business owner, it just brings joy to bring something uplifting to this area,” Smith said.
He estimates he spends between $500 and $1,000 on a new door every time it’s vandalized. Colin-Ortiz says that price ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for their floral shop.
Now, they’re asking for accountability and persistence from local authorities.
“This is our livelihood. This is where we eat, this is how we eat. Financially, emotionally, it’s very distressful,” Colin-Ortiz said.
Indio Police said in a statement they are aware and investigating recent burglaries, and that officers have increased patrols in the downtown area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP to provide information anonymously.