An adult male broke into El Pollo Inka around 5:20 a.m. on Sept. 7, taking a cash register, safe and drill with him, according to a Hermosa Beach police report.
The man can be seen on surveillance video parking a vehicle directly in front of the restaurant at about 4:50 a.m. He then hangs out in front of the eatery, prying the front door open with what police believe was a large, long screwdriver about 30 minutes later.
Once inside, the man turns on a flashlight and proceeds to the cash register. He then locates a black shelf safe nearby and also finds a 12-volt drill in a nylon case, removing the items from the restaurant.
Police say the man, who is reported to be white or Hispanic, 25-40 years of age, 180-200 pounds, 6' to 6'2" with a goatee or beard, wore gloves and a beanie on his head.
The video also shows the burglar starting the car, then heading toward the shopping center's access to Aviation Boulevard.
El Pollo Inka's estimated loss is $1,200, including $200 cash in the cash register and approximately $600 in cash and credit card receipts in the safe, according to the report.
The crime was discovered when restaurant staff arrived at 8 a.m. on Sept. 7.
El Pollo Inka is located at 1100 Pacific Coast Highway in a shopping center that includes Ralphs and Starbucks.
