Denver steakhouse damaged after thieves break in for steaks

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Someone continues to break into a Colorado steakhouse and steal meat. Police are asking the public for help identifying suspects in the case.

On July 20, at approximately 5:12 a.m., Denver Police Department officers responded to Columbine Steak House & Lounge for a report of a burglary.

The company is located near the Barnum neighborhood, approximately 4 miles southwest of downtown Denver.

During the break-in, the thieves rammed into the business with a truck, causing extensive damage to the store, Irene Apergis, one of the owners, told USA TODAY on Thursday.

“It’s actually the third time, but this time they did a lot of damage,” Apergis said. “They took the steaks out of the refrigerator and left.”

The owner added that the thieves could have taken “beer from the cooler or liquor from the bar,” but they didn’t touch either. They also didn’t touch either, a nearby ATM in the store. They only took the steaks.

The latest incident forced the steakhouse to temporarily close its doors.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” the company wrote in a post on its Facebook page after the break-in. “We look forward to reopening as soon as possible.”

Third time in two years that suspects break into a steakhouse and steal meat

Police confirmed to USA TODAY that it was the third burglary in the past two years in which suspects broke into the business and stole only meat.

“The first two times they broke a door open with a crowbar,” Apergis recalled. “This time they decided to back up with their truck — they hit him six or seven times and broke the whole wall down.”

According to Apergis, surveillance footage from the steakhouse shows a truck driving into the side of the steakhouse, setting off the restaurant’s alarm.

According to her, water and gas pipes had burst during the burglary.

According to Apergis, the suspects made off with porterhouse meat, T-bones, filets and a few pork chops worth approximately $1,900.

Apergis hopes to reopen the steakhouse to customers on Friday.

No suspects, no arrests yet in Denver steak burglary

Police told USA TODAY the two previous break-ins were reported on Dec. 3, 2022, and May 25, 2022.

Police said on Thursday that no arrests have been made in the case, which remains under investigation.

Apergis said her late father opened the steakhouse in 1961.

“It’s ridiculous,” Apergis said. “I just want to get those guys.”

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Denver police.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her at X @nataliealund.

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