Ocean View businesses targeted in string of burglaries, suspect still at large

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A series of burglaries has shaken the Ocean View area, with police searching for a suspect responsible for multiple break-ins at local businesses over the past week.

Security footage from Subway shows the suspect entering the restaurant by cutting through the roof, leaving significant damage to the property.

According to an anonymous Subway employee, the suspect stole $500 during the Sept. 14 burglary. During the second break-in, the suspect reportedly spent about 45 minutes trying to open the store’s safe before leaving through the roof once again.

The crime spree began Friday, Sept. 13, when La Tapatia, located on 9606 Granby St., was burglarized around midnight. The following night, a Subway restaurant on Ocean View Avenue was hit, followed shortly by Lupita’s Mexican and Latin American Restaurant on 1st View Street.

Most recently, on Tuesday night, the same Subway was targeted again, along with a nearby Dollar General store.

David Corredor, an employee at La Tapatia, expressed hope that the public can provide tips to help police catch the burglar.

Norfolk police are relying heavily on security footage to identify and apprehend the suspect. Meanwhile, the owner of Lupita’s Mexican and Latin American Restaurant said she believes the same man who robbed her business was an unhoused individual who they had fed the night of the break-in. The owner, who asked to be anonymous, said the person stole roughly $400.

Norfolk police urge the community to come forward. Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit an anonymous tip using the P3Tips app.

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