Community Comes Together After $140K Theft from Cherished Burger Basket Owners in Monrovia
Thieves Steal $140,000 from Monrovia Burger Shop Owners
MONROVIA, Calif. – Phiyapan Pimolasavakun and Vorowat Narkmanee, the owners of Burger Basket in Monrovia, have reopened their restaurant after a two-week hiatus following a traumatic home burglary. The couple reported that burglars made off with $140,000 in savings, which they had stored in a lockbox at their residence.
The incident has left the couple shaken, as their son Jesse Narkmanee shared details of the theft. "I was really shocked because they’ve been in the same apartment for like 30 years, so even before they owned the Burger Basket they’d been there for a long time and nothing’s ever happened," he said. Suspects, captured on home security cameras, not only stole the lockbox but also around $20,000 worth of jewelry.
The couple was deeply affected by the violation of their home. "The first thing I felt, I was so scared someone’s in my house," said Pimolasavakun. But they expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community upon their return to work.
Local customers have rallied to help the couple cover essential expenses. One customer, Becky Gonzalez, remarked, "Of course, the rent is due, everybody has payments. I said, ‘let’s go support them. They need it more than we do right now, you know?’ And every penny I pick up, it’s an angel."
In an effort to assist law enforcement, Jesse Narkmanee has created a website featuring security footage of the suspects, hoping that community contributions will lead to their identification.
The return to business marks a pivotal step for the couple, who have endured not only financial strain but also emotional distress. As they continue to navigate these challenges, the support from their local community remains a vital source of encouragement.
