Toys stolen from San Francisco cafe by man disguised as worker to fix vandalized windows, owner says

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Saturday, October 10, 2020
Toys stolen from SF cafe by man disguised as worker, owner says
Several toys were stolen from the recently reopened Toy Boat Cafe in San Francisco's Richmond District.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A San Francisco cafe that recently reopened was targeted by a vandal and a thief over the course of about a week.

The windows at Toy Boat by Jane on Clement Street were vandalized, and the owner said a man pretending to be a worker there to fix the windows, stole several toys displayed near the cafe's ceiling.

Amanda Michael said the man had a work vest and a ladder with him when he came in on Thursday, and told employees he was there to fix the window. He got on the ladder and put several toys in a box.

Employees were busy helping customers and didn't realize the man had left and took some robot and Godzilla figurines with him.

Michael posted about the theft on Instagram and said the neighborhood has been very supportive, and some have donated toys.

"It's definitely been a pretty rotten experience, you know, like it's a bummer to have that happen. But it's also inspirational to see how people rally behind you," said Michael.

Toy Boat has been on Clement Street for 38 years. The longtime owners decided to sell it this summer.

Michael, who owns several San Francisco bakeries, bought the business and reopened it in September.