MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for a crook who stole tips from a Miami Beach cafe.
Surveillance video showed the subject putting their hand inside a tip jar at David’s Cafe near Alton Road and Fifth Street, Tuesday morning.
In the wake of the novel coronavirus, some of those struggling the most are those working in restaurants and cafes that are financially trying to stay afloat.
Employees at David’s Cafecito Cafe said the man stopped and asked for a cup of water before reaching into the tip jar.
“He just dips his hand in and takes off,” said cafe owner Adrian Gonzalez. “My sales are down almost 80% or 90%. I’m down from 16 staff to roughly about three and a half staff.”
With sales falling drastically, some of what the workers take home are tips.
The man stole a total of $80 from the tip jar.
“We’re all in a bad situation. We’re all in a bad way,” said Gonzalez. “If you ask for help, we generally do help whenever they ask for it. Don’t take from someone who really needs it.”
This steal is a stark contrast to a recent story in the restaurant where a customer left a $750 tip on a $60 take away order. Loly Parante, a server at the restaurant, said she used to tip to help pay for rent and her car.
“There are people with very good hearts, and I’m so happy with that,” Parante said.
With limited business, no tourists and people being told to stay home, times have become more desperate.
“Unfortunately, the homeless are getting a little more aggressive,” said Gonzalez. “Their steady income is tourism that comes into Miami Beach. Since there isn’t any right now, I think they’re starting to get a little more hostile.”
The restaurant posted surveillance video of the crook to their Facebook page and have been receiving an outpouring of support.
Charles Newton saw the video and visited the cafe to order lunch. He left a $20 tip in the cafe’s tip jar.
“Look, I don’t have a lot of money to give, but, you know, we’re in this together,” he said. “One hand washes the other.”
Staff members are seeking the public’s help in identifying the person in the video.
If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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