In a surprising turn of events, a Yucaipa restaurant was the target of a brazen theft early Saturday morning. Two men managed to steal 85 koi fish from the Oak House Restaurant, a popular spot known for its outdoor ranch where customers can see a variety of exotic animals. The theft, which took place under the cover of darkness, was captured on security cameras, showing the suspects repeatedly entering and exiting the property with buckets.
Silvia Duarte, the restaurant’s owner, reported that she had noticed a decrease in the number of koi in her pond prior to the incident. She had contacted the police about her concerns but was told there was little they could do at that time since no immediate threat was present. After the burglary, Duarte expressed her disbelief, stating, "How can you trust people now?" She emphasized that the koi were more than just fish to her; they were beloved pets that her family had cared for over the years.
The police arrested David Smith, 42, on Wednesday after tracking his vehicle from the scene of the crime. He is currently being held on a $30,000 bond, charged with grand theft. The second suspect remains at large. Authorities noted that the koi fish, depending on their size and patterns, could be worth anywhere from $50 to $1,500 each. Unfortunately, only a few small koi were recovered from Smith’s home, with Duarte lamenting that just five were returned.
This incident has sparked a conversation in the community about outdoor property theft and security measures. Duarte mentioned that due to fire regulations, she cannot lock the gate that leads to the outdoor area of the restaurant. She now plans to find a way to secure the gate to prevent future thefts.
The theft of the koi fish has drawn attention online, with many customers expressing their sadness over the loss. The koi had names and were cherished by both the owners and the patrons. This incident highlights the challenges faced by businesses with outdoor property and the need for better security to protect treasured assets.