Burglary Strikes Point Loma’s Christy’s Donuts: Owners Left Devastated.
The owners of Christy’s Donuts, a well-known donut shop in Point Loma, are attempting to rebuild their lives after a recent burglary that stole their life savings. The incident occurred at their home, just a few blocks from the shop, around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2.
Chris Tou, one of the shop’s owners, returned home to find his house ransacked. He had been away for only an hour, helping his brother-in-law fix a flat tire. “As soon as I drove into my entrance and to my house, that’s when they left,” Tou told NBC 7.
Tou believes at least two people were involved in the burglary, as it would have taken a team to lift his safe and carry away his treasured belongings. “For the last few days, I couldn’t sleep. I can’t eat,” he shared.
The stolen items included important documents, heirloom jewelry, and cash—representing Tou’s entire life savings. “If I had the chance to ask them to give me back everything, that’s the only thing that I can ask back: the diamond ring I bought for my wife,” he said.
Chris and his wife, Julie, fled communist-run Cambodia as teenagers. They met in school, later married, and 35 years ago opened Christy’s Donuts at Poinsettia Drive and Voltaire Street. Their eldest daughter, Kim Bott, expressed her heartbreak: “It’s devastating because I know how hard my parents worked.”
The couple has spent the last 35 years without any days off or vacations, aiming to retire early while still healthy. “My parents don’t deserve this. Nobody does,” Bott said.
Tou is grateful for his life, especially after recalling the tragic fate of Randy Taing, the former owner of Rose Donuts on Linda Vista Road, who was beaten to death in his own home. The circumstances surrounding both incidents bear striking similarities.
Rose Donuts, like Christy’s, is a family-run business. Taing operated a cash business and stored the proceeds and valuables in a safe at home. An assistant district attorney noted that Taing fell victim to a sophisticated criminal organization targeting small business owners.
In his native language, Tou delivered a message to other Asian American small business owners. He reflected that he might have been home if not for his brother-in-law’s call for help. “I still thank my brother-in-law. He may have saved my life. The Rose Donuts owner was killed for refusing to let them take the safe or give them the code. In my situation, I would probably do the same thing,” Tou stated.
Tou works around 12 hours a day and has not taken a day off or a vacation in 35 years. His dreams of early retirement vanished along with his money. Despite the struggle, Tou remains determined and appreciative of the support from his community and family.
As of now, police have made no arrests. The family reports having some security footage that may provide clues to identify the suspects.
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