Police: $700 stolen from restaurant

A thief stole $700 from a drawer inside a Laguna Beach restaurant, Laguna Beach police said Tuesday.

The burglary occurred at 8:24 p.m. Sept. 25 inside the Nirvana Grille at 303 Broadway St., according to a department news release.

Surveillance video shows a man who police suspect committed the crime.

Before entering the restaurant, the person allegedly sent or read a text message and then walked directly to one of several desks in the restaurant’s business office, removed an envelope from a zipper pouch and stole its contents, according to police.

Restaurant employees believe the thief dined there in the past and someone may have guided the person to where the money was hidden, police said.

Anyone with information should call Sgt. Robert Rahaeuser at (949) 497-0389.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce