Burglars ram car into Oakland restaurant during attempted break‑in, causing $5K worth of damage

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — A downtown Oakland restaurant owner is speaking out after burglars tried to ram a car through the front of her business during a botched break-in on Wednesday morning.

Surveillance video shows the suspected burglars repeatedly driving a vehicle into the entrance of Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant and Bar at 12th and Webster streets. The impact shattered the glass, but the door frame held, preventing the suspects from getting inside.

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The owner said a burglar alarm woke her up, and she watched the attempted break-in unfold in real time.

“We pay taxes. And to break into a small business in Oakland. It’s like hurting yourself. It’s like cutting your own finger off. Go get a job,” she said.

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She estimates repairs will cost over $5,000 and is asking the community for help covering the expense. She said police arrived within minutes, but the suspects were gone before officers could be arrested.

The owner has launched a GoFundMe to help replace the damaged doors.