SEATTLE — Surveillance video captured a burglar hitting up a popular Seattle restaurant that’s been featured on national television.
The video shows as the burglar carefully and slowly slithered his way into Slim’s Last Chance on February 15th.
The man was somehow able to peel the metal off a roll-up door at the burger and chili staple on First Avenue South.
He was inside for about two hours.
First, he crawled to the cash register and rifled through it a bit.
He then headed to a storage room in the back, covered one of eight cameras and managed to open a safe with $3,000 inside.
"Completely devastated," is how owner Celeste Lucas feels about being burglarized.
Especially because this was the second time that same week they were hit.
"The first time was horribly shocking and then you just start to get over it and then to have it happen a second time was just mind-blowing," she said.
Lucas thinks the same burglar was there four days earlier.
"Within the slats of the window there was bars, metal bars, this far apart," she said -- showing KIRO 7 the back of the building.
The burglar managed to pry the bars apart, again squeezing inside the restaurant.
In 30 minutes, he got away with about $500.
KIRO 7 asked if she felt this was an inside job.
“I do,” said Lucas. “I feel it. I felt it right away."
Lucas says it's not likely a current employee, but perhaps a former worker or perhaps even a customer who's been able to case out the joint.
The restaurant has been featured in national television shows and has a loyal fan base.
"That's a horrible thing because this is a great place for people to come and eat," said customer Rob Boettcher about the burglaries.
Lucas said more hits could “absolutely” drive them out of business.
Especially since they are already looking ahead to an increase to the city’s minimum wage.
"We are always on the verge of maybe not making it. I mean I don't like to keep that mindset but it is an actual reality," said Lucas.
The best description of the burglar is a man small enough to fit through tiny spaces, wearing Adidas or Vans with black laces.
Police reports have been filed.
In the meantime, Slim's is increasing security even more than before.