SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Two thieves were caught on video breaking into a San Francisco boxing gym early Saturday morning, and the owner of Baybreakers Boxing Gym says he's “saddened and angry” that valuables were stolen from his business.
According to San Francisco Police, two unknown suspects entered the gym and robbed the victim around 5 a.m. Officers arrived on the scene within about 10 minutes of receiving the call, but the suspects had already left.
The thieves made off with the gym's computers, a card reader, a public address system, boxing gloves and hand wraps. The suspects' descriptions are not yet known, but security camera footage (above) shows two intruders entering the gym.
Bay Breakers Boxing Gym, co-founded by Abe Skinner and Daniel Rodriguez Mendez, is located at 2001 Van Ness Avenue and was reopened for members to train after being robbed just hours earlier.
“But we still went out there and we still opened the gym,” Rodriguez Mendez said. “It doesn't matter. They beat us in the first round, but there are 12 rounds in the fight.”
Despite the frustration of the break-in and feeling “violated,” Skinner said he's grateful for the support of the community in the aftermath.
“The support we've received has been so heartwarming. We always focus on the bad things, and then right after that, strangers on the internet (support us),” Skinner told KRON 4. “At the end of the day, it's more the feeling of feeling the love and support.”
Rodriguez Mendez said the city is a “hostile” environment for small businesses, but he's staying positive thanks to the overwhelming support from the community.
“I know the San Francisco community is very supportive of small businesses, but the environment is hostile to small businesses,” Rodriguez Mendez said. “We received so much support, it brought a little tear to my eye. It reminded me of why we're doing this.”
“Just because there were a few bad guys doing what they needed to do to survive and we were an easy target shouldn't overshadow the fact that we're here to build a community…it won't stop us.”
Rodriguez Mendez added that the best way to support the gym is to attend classes and show up on-site.
As of Monday morning, no arrests had been made. San Francisco Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to call 415-575-4444 or text information to TIP411 and type “SFPD” at the beginning of their message.
Baybreakers Boxing Gym opened in February of this year.
