The general manager of Five Guys estimated the burglars caused between $2,500 and $5,000 of damage.
SEATTLE — Two Ballard food establishments were broken into early Tuesday morning.
The Seattle Police Department has not said if the two instances are connected.
About 1:15 a.m., Seattle police responded to the Five Guys burger restaurant at Northwest Market Street and 15th Avenue Northwest for reports of a break-in.
A witness told officers he heard a loud banging about 1 a.m., and when he looked outside, he saw four suspects kicking the door of Five Guys. Three suspects went inside while one stayed outside. The three suspects exited shortly after they entered, and then all four suspects fled in an SUV headed westbound on Northwest Market Street.
The witness said one suspect had a gun, and all suspects were wearing black masks.
The restaurant’s general manager estimated between $2,500 and $5,000 of damage was caused to the business.
Officers said it appeared as though nothing was taken from the restaurant. The cash registers were open and empty when police arrived, and the general manager said they were already in that state.
About 45 minutes later, there was another break-in at a coffee shop four blocks north of Five Guys.
Officers responded to Ballard Coffee Company about 1:46 a.m. for reports of a burglary.
A coffee shop employee showed the officers surveillance footage of the suspects arriving in a dark colored SUV. On the footage, two suspects in dark clothing and masks are seen using a tool to force their way into the building.
The thieves stole a bag with tools inside, which was worth about $200, police said.
The suspects left the business after about two minutes and fled in the SUV heading southbound on 15th Avenue Northwest.
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