Beerded Bean in shock after their location was broken into

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A business in downtown Salinas was left in shock after being a victim of a break-in over the weekend. Owner of Beerded Bean, Erick Del Real, says this has been unfortunate for him and his staff, but hopes other nearby businesses can better prepare. 

The back door at the Bearded Bean remains boarded up, and despite this, staff continue welcoming customers in, hoping to move past the bitter experience. 

“Our opening staff member gave me a phone call telling me that the shop's glass was broken and popped open. I didn't know what exactly they meant by that. They sent me the picture, and the store here was completely, the glass was completely taken off and just put to the side.” 

Erick quickly called the police and filed a report. Soon after, he went to social media — sharing security images in hopes the community could help pinpoint the suspect. 

“You feel violated. You feel defeated. It's really hard to earn a dollar in this world today,” he adds. “Our staff works really hard for their dollar as well, and that takes away from them their tips and their paychecks and everything else that comes with the business.” 

In the security footage, you can see how a man in a light-colored jacket and a backpack broke in, leaving with the cash register and what was inside. 

Data from the Salinas Police Department shows that in 2024, they received 240 burglary reports within the city's jurisdiction. Business owners in the area are now saying this incident serves as a call to action. 

“It's already hard to kind of turn a profit for, you know, small businesses,” says Ryan Valenciano, a bartender at a nearby bar. “So, just hearing that, you know, our neighborhood businesses are getting broken into, it was just kind of sad and unfortunate.”

“Luckily, we had the camera set up where we were or where they were,” Erick says. He is now looking to add more security camera angles. He is glad none of his staff was hurt because this happened after hours. And — to prevent future break-ins, he adds that lights will remain on in the business overnight.  

Del Real adds that he is working closely with the Salinas police department in filing the report, hoping to find the suspect. Other business owners in the area say they are taking precautionary measures, despite saying the downtown area has generally been safe.