Oblivion Taproom, the burger and beer restaurant on East Colonial Drive, was burglarized early Sunday, the second time in a week. According to Pete Wesenberg, who owns the business with his wife, Missy Jahn, the same person or persons likely did both break ins. In both cases access was gained via the restaurant’s roof through old air conditioning ducts. Wesenberg says that that breach has now been sealed.

The thieves did not get much for their efforts — “an iPod and a couple hundred dollars,” Wesenberg told me. But he estimates damages at $2000. During Sunday’s burglary some of the bar’s 40 taps were opened — Wesenberg says he does not think it was intentional — spewing beer onto the floor and causing damage.

Although frustrated, Wesenberg said he realizes that such occurrences are hazards for all businesses, but he is also thankful that there has never been any trouble at the restaurant during business hours or when any staff were present. In April of last year a woman working in a food truck near Oblivion Taproom, at Old Cheney Highway and Colonial Drive, was killed during a robbery. Wesenberg said that two of his workers were the first to arrive on the scene of that murder.

The robberies have not been reported by any of the major news outlets, which causes one to wonder how common business break ins and burglaries are. Let’s hear it from some of you restaurateurs out there: Have you been the victim of such crimes? Tell us your story in the comments below.

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