Arcade owner discovers stolen items at homeless encampment
- A San Bernardino arcade owner reported a burglary that occurred over several days, including Thanksgiving.
- Thieves made off with nearly $16,000 worth of equipment, including gaming consoles and an entire arcade machine.
- Despite the significant loss, the owner plans to reopen the arcade shortly, stressing its importance to the local community.
In the United States, a San Bernardino arcade recently faced a devastating theft during the holiday season. A group of thieves targeted the business over several days, even burglarizing it on Thanksgiving Day, resulting in nearly $16,000 in stolen equipment. The arcade owner, Luna, reported that multiple valuable items were taken, including several PlayStation 5 consoles, television gaming monitors, cameras, a cash register, and a heavy X-Men arcade game machine, which he valued at around $3,000. Despite losing his security system, Luna was fortunate to have additional video footage that captured the thieves in the act, which may assist in identifying the culprits. Upon review of the evidence, Luna suspected that the individuals involved may be from a nearby homeless encampment, recalling their distinct walk and appearance. He expressed feelings of betrayal, especially towards individuals he believed he had supported in the past. In a search for his belongings, the owner discovered some of the stolen items in the encampment itself, including computer boards and snacks he sold at the arcade, hinting at a wider issue of crime linked to homelessness in the area. Luna stated that he plans to reopen the arcade within a few days, emphasizing its role as a community hub lacking in family-oriented entertainment options. This incident not only reflects the struggles of small business owners during challenging economic times but also demonstrates the complexities surrounding crime and homelessness.