By Raiza Giorgi

publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com

 

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department detectives are investigating a series of burglaries in the Buellton area over the past two weeks, as they believe they are connected. 

Pattibakes located in the 200 block of Highway 246, Morell’s Farm Fresh Dining and La Botte Bistro located in the 200 block of McMurray Drive in Buellton were broken into sometime between June 16 to June 17. The crimes were all discovered on Monday morning June 18. In all of the cases the suspects forced entry and stole an unspecified amount of cash from the register.

“Pattibakes would like to express a huge thank you to all of our wonderful amazing customers that have supported us during our recent break in and burglary. Our great customers , friends and family have gone above and beyond to make sure we are not only ok – but recover from our loss quickly,” Pattibakes owners Kim Farris and Cassandra Farris posted on their social media recently. 

The Sheriff’s Department also alerted just before 2 a.m. on Friday, June 28, deputies responded to a burglary alarm at Valley Tool and Truck Rental in the 800 block of McMurray Road, according to Kelly Hoover, public information officer.

“When deputies arrived they found the gate to the business was ripped off its hinges and several windows were smashed.  It was soon discovered that one of the company vans was missing and it is believed the van was stolen by the suspects and used to break open the gate,” Hoover said in an email to the Star. 

The burglaries are believed to be connected and the Sheriff’s Office is continuing to conduct an investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Buellton station at 805-686-8150 or to leave an anonymous tip call 805-681-4171,  or go to our website at www.sbsheriff.org.