Coronavirus Crimes: San Francisco restaurants see trend in break-ins amid COVID-19 shelter-in-place

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Property crimes are down by double digits in San Francisco compared to the same time last year due to the novel coronavirus shelter-in-place. However, restaurant owners are discovering that during recent break-ins there is a new trend in what's being taken.

Saira and Monica Gomez have a hard time watching the 20 different security videos recorded at their restaurant, Crossroad Pizza from a rash of 5 break-ins spanning 3 days.

"It's super violating. It's super violating and very frustrating" says Saira via FaceTime.

RELATED: SF thieves caught on camera stealing thousands from Fillmore store during COVID-19 shelter-in-place

The burglaries happened at an already challenging time when the restaurant is closed because of the shelter-in-place. Also unsettling? What the crooks stole.

"They took toilet paper, garbage bags, any household items we had and our Clorox wipes. Our cleaning supplies, bleach and everything for cleaning! They took sodas, booze, they tried to take our coffee machine and coffee blender too. I'd rather have that food go to our employees who aren't working now!" exclaims Saira.

Aldo Blasi, owner of Ristorante Milano in Russian Hill shared video of a recent attempted burglary where suspects not only used tools like wire cutters and a blowtorch to try and gain entry through the front door, they also tried the back, where the supplies are kept.

"I think it's a kind of desperation. These are desperate times as you say they can get supplies. All you can do is leave supplies and change them and secure them all the time." Says Blasi.

RELATED: What does it cost a small business to stay open in the Bay Area right now? A lot

SFPD says they've seen a double-digit decrease in property crime compared to last year due to the shelter-in-place but are "aware of changes in crime trends" and say they'll adapt to the "ever changing environment."

Both Aldo and the Gomezes have this message to other small businesses like theirs.

"Don't give up. Stay the course and absorb the loss as much as you can and keep on going." Encourages Blasi.

The sentiment is echoed by the Gomezes.

"Small businesses need to come together and check up on each other and go in daily...we need to come together."

To support Ristorante Milano during the citywide shelter-in-place, you can order take-out here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus crisis, submit yours via the form below or here.

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• Coronavirus and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19