Oakland Pizza Shop Workers Take Matters into Their Own Hands in the Fight Against Crime
In a city plagued by a recent string of robberies, the employees at Cybelle’s Pizza in Oakland are refusing to be victims. After being robbed four times this year, the workers at the pizza shop decided to take matters into their own hands to protect their business.
A recent incident was captured on security footage, showing the brave employees fending off a robber who stormed into the shop. Armed with a hammer, they confronted the thief, attempting to scare him off. However, when the robber made a move to grab the cash register, a cook hurled a recycling bin at him, forcing him to flee.
Owner Elizabeth Sanchez expressed her admiration for her employees’ bravery, even though she had instructed them not to put themselves in harm’s way. She acknowledged that they had no choice but to defend themselves in the face of danger. Fortunately, the robber was apprehended soon after.
This incident marked the fourth robbery in just over a month for Cybelle’s Pizza. The continuous acts of crime have taken a toll on the business, with declining sales and a struggle to retain employees. Sanchez revealed that the surge in crime has also deterred customers from visiting the restaurant, leaving them in a dire situation.
Sanchez and her husband, who work tirelessly seven days a week, are now contemplating closing down their Oakland location. They plan to keep their other restaurant in San Francisco, where they hope to find a safer and more secure environment for their business.
The local government has recognized the severity of the situation and has been working with businesses in the area to enhance security measures. Mayor Sheng Thao’s office is committed to allocating funds for increased security in the Diamond and Laurel districts, where Cybelle’s Pizza is located. The goal is to provide round-the-clock security to protect small businesses from falling victim to crime.
Sanchez emphasized that her restaurant is not the only one suffering from the crime surge. Many other small businesses in the area are also struggling to stay afloat. She questioned the support available for small businesses, highlighting the disparity between big chains and independent establishments.
In an effort to address the situation, the mayor’s office has already granted $20,000 for repairs to two small businesses as part of its Facade and Tenant Improvement Program. They will also be collaborating with Cybelle’s Pizza to provide similar assistance.
The fight against crime in Oakland has gained attention from California Governor Gavin Newsom. He recently announced that he would be sending 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the city to assist in combating the rising crime rates.
The employees at Cybelle’s Pizza have taken a stand against the threats to their business. With the support of the local government and the determination to keep their dream alive, they hope to overcome the challenges they face and continue serving their community. Only time will tell if their efforts will be enough to restore safety and security in Oakland’s Diamond and Laurel districts, allowing small businesses like Cybelle’s Pizza to thrive once again.
