Thief Cuts Hole in Roof of Little Havana Business

Police are investigating after a thief or thieves broke a hole through the roof of a Little Havana business to steal cigarettes, cash and lottery tickets

Police are investigating after a thief or thieves broke a hole through the roof of a Little Havana business to steal cigarettes, cash and lottery tickets.

One of the owners of Yanaira's Discount Mini Market at 1280 Southwest 1st St. said he made the discovery Monday morning. He said it appeared the crook or crooks cut a large hole, got in and grabbed the items and took off.

Said the man's wife, store owner Rita Garcia, "The cash, the cigarettes, the scratch-offs and the money, that's all they took."

The little discount store was left in shambles, with pieces of the ceiling on the floor and merchandise and food goods scattered.

Police responded to the store to investigate. No information about a possible suspect or suspects was given, but Miami Police spokesman Sgt. Freddie Cruz expressed concern about the financial impact of the break-in.

"This is going to put this business owner on a standstill for several days. I mean, this is what he does to feed his family," Cruz said.

Garcia and her husband have been in business for three years and have no insurance. Her husband said he thinks the bad guy might have dropped in on a bucket full of brooms inside the store – and hopes he did.

Garcia said they’ll pick up the pieces and pull things together, little by little.


Contact Us