CAMBRIDGE -- Waterloo regional police say they're investigating three incidents involving businesses on Dundas Street in Cambridge in the month of November.
The first incident happened overnight between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Police say unknown suspects damaged pipe insulation and stole copper piping from an air conditioning unit at a business in the area of Dundas Street South in Cambridge.
The second incident was reported on Nov. 4. The owner of a business on Dundas Street said someone broke into their business overnight and stole a cash register and change.
The final incident happened on Nov. 7 at a fast food restaurant on Dundas Street South. Police say someone damaged the restaurant's drive-thru window and smeared eggs, but didn't get inside the building.
Fast Eddies has confirmed to CTV News that it was the restaurant involved in the Nov. 7 incident.
Junaid Mon, the owner of Leymoon Restaurant, had security footage showing a person smearing paint on the doors of some Cambridge businesses early Sunday morning.
Mon said vandals also ruined some windows with what looked like shots from a BB gun and wiring was cut from their AC units.
Sam Kassem, the manager of Dino's Pizza next door, said his restaurant has also been vandalized and he's worried it could escalate.
"This time it was painting the windows," he said. "Next time maybe they're going to break in."
Business owners on Dundas Street are hoping more can be done to prevent crime in the future. In September, the city announced it would have four security guards patrolling downtown Galt overnight.
Some said they want to see the safety measures expand to other locations.
Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry said the security guards are helping in the downtown area.
"The overnight security patrols will continue to provide extra 'eyes and ears' in helping to monitor Galt’s downtown core area throughout the remainder of 2020. The Cambridge Downtown BIA and area businesses have noted an initial improvement and our Municipal By-law Compliance staff continue to monitor this area through daily patrols," a statement from McGarry said in part. "City staff will continue to evaluate the program, collect data and determine next steps."
McGarry also said she was upset to hear about issues at Dundas Street businesses this weekend.
"I know how difficult the pandemic has been on local businesses and they don't need additional stress and challenges," she said. "I encourage business owners to report issues to the police and I will ask staff to monitor and determine if there are any trends or factors that should be considered more fully in this area."
Jania Gorski, who owns Fast Eddie's said its disappointing to come in and deal with crime.
"It scares the staff," Gorski said.
The fast food joint needed to close for half the day.
McGarry encouraged businesses to report any incidents to police.
"I will ask staff to monitor and determine if there are any trends or factors that should be considered more fully in this area," she said.
Gorski said Fast Eddies will keep their lights on overnight.
Others worry their businesses might not be able to survive if the vandalism continues.
"If you keep paying from your pocket, you're going to end up with nothing left," Kassem said.
The investigations into all three incidents are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
