Las Palapas manager plans to bar windows after multiple break ins

A Mexican restaurant in Saskatoon’s Nutana neighbourhood has been the target of multiple break-ins, and has management considering barring the windows for added security.

“This is just so frustrating,” said Jason Wosminity, the general manager of Las Palapas Resort Grill in Saskatoon.

“I’m losing faith in humanity when things like this keep happening.”

According to Wosminity, at around 4 a.m. on Jan 18 two intruders walked alongside the patio in the back alley and tore off the fenced gate.

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He claims they took a cinder block, threw it through the restaurant’s window, and stole about a dozen bottles of liquor.

Wosminity said more anger ensues with every break in, and he has no other option but to install bars on the restaurant’s doors and windows.

“We want it to look tropical and welcoming… and bars on doors and windows don’t look very welcoming” he said.

Jason Wosminity, the general manager of Las Palapas Resort Grill in Saskatoon said “it’s just been one thing after another,” this last month as the restaurant has been the target of multiple incidents, crimes like break ins and vandalism. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

He added that “every dollar counts” for small businesses faced with inflationary costs.

“A taco is on average six dollars and we’re talking about close to $6,000 when this (incident) is all said and done,” he said. “That’s a lot of tacos.”

Within the last year, the restaurant saw a spike in break ins, recording four within the last year and costing the restaurant thousands in damages. Wosminity suspects it’s the same individuals involved.

“Does that say something about the economy and people’s desperation?” Wosminity said “Maybe.”

The restaurant manager said he turned security camera footage over to police, and has turned to social media in hopes that somebody will recognize the individuals who broke into his business.

Wosminity wants to see more of a police presence in the area, and urges neighbourhood residents to keep an eye out for small businesses nearby.

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is currently investigating the break in.

“While our growing city continues to put pressures on Police resources, we adjust patrols according to the levels of crime experienced in different areas,” a statement from SPS reads.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime or sees any suspicious activity, to always report it to Police.”