Smack'n Tacos vandalized, robbed over 4th of July weekend

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Burglars broke into Smack'n Tacos over the holiday weekend, stealing a safe and destroying the front door.

Marcos Fuentes said he was at one of his other restaurants when he learned of the break-in. He said the thieves cut power to the building before entering, leaving him without security footage.

"I dropped everything. I called the cops immediately. The lights were shut off and obviously that big hole someone shattered using a rock. And they immediately went into my office and they had taken my safe," Fuentes said.

Fuentes said the safe contained approximately two weeks' worth of cash. The power outage also caused all of the restaurant's food to spoil, a loss he estimated at around $4,100 — similar to a previous spoilage incident.

Fuentes said Smack'n Tacos is not the only business he owns that has been hit recently. His restaurant Agave & Lime was hit three to four months ago when someone forged and cashed four checks at his bank. Three weeks ago, strong storms knocked out his power, he said, forcing a shutdown and spoiling food.

"It really sucks. Like I feel like I'm being targeted," Fuentes said.

Despite the repeated setbacks, Fuentes said he does not want the incidents to discourage others from opening businesses in the area.

"Things like this happen all the time. It's unfortunate that I got hit and others as well. If you want to open up a business in Macon County, do it. Don't be afraid. Just chase your dreams. Just make sure you have insurance," Fuentes laughed.

Fuentes hopes to have the door fixed and have the restaurant back open by the end of the week.