LOCKPORT, Ill. (WLS) -- The owners of Sopranos Pizzeria & Catering are seeking the public's help to catch the "mozzarella-brained bandits" responsible for a recent attempted break-in at their restaurant. Surveillance footage shows three suspects arriving at the Lockport establishment early on April 15, 2025, and throwing rocks at the windows. One individual notably used a brick to shatter the glass, but their efforts to gain entry were thwarted.
Owner Emmanuel Serna was present in the kitchen making pizzas when he learned about the incident. Despite the frustration of the situation, he has managed to maintain a sense of humor about the attempted burglary. "What are they gonna get? Our pizza peels? Maybe our secret recipe?" he quipped, pointing to his head. "They can’t get it. It’s all up here."
The security camera footage reveals a young male suspect in a hoodie attempting to break the window multiple times, followed by futile attempts to kick the door in. After several failed attempts, the would-be burglar conferred with his accomplices before they all fled the scene in a silver or gray Kia four-door sedan.
Serna expressed his gratitude to a bystander who witnessed the attempted break-in. The witness, who has been dubbed "Rocky" by the pizzeria, followed the suspects' car while recording video on his dash-cam. Although he was unable to capture the license plate, his actions helped raise awareness of the incident.
Serna is offering a significant incentive for information leading to the suspects' capture, stating, "If someone finds them or gives us leads, even one person getting them caught, we're gonna give 'em free pizza for a year. Guaranteed." This offer has resonated with the community, as the video of the incident has gone viral, amassing over 304,000 views on social media.
The attempted break-in has caused several thousand dollars in damages, which is particularly challenging for small business owners in the current economic climate. "It’s already tough for small businesses right now with the economy the way it is," Serna lamented. The Lockport police are investigating the incident and are exploring potential connections to a series of similar break-ins that have occurred in the south and western suburbs recently.
In a follow-up Facebook post, Serna humorously recounted the events, stating, "Yeah…they showed up around 3:28 a.m. in a silver car, hoodies up, thinkin’ they were in Goodfellas or somethin’. Newsflash, boys—this ain’t Hollywood. This is Lockport, and you just messed with the wrong slice of town." His playful tone has struck a chord with followers, with many expressing their support and sharing the post.
One commenter noted the burglar's lack of skill, saying, "The burglar’s brick-throwing efforts indicate Daddy was definitely not around to show him how to toss a baseball." This lighthearted commentary has added a layer of community engagement around the incident.
Despite the attempted burglary, Serna remains hopeful. He believes that with the community's help, the suspects will be identified and brought to justice. He concluded his Facebook post with a cheeky piece of advice for the would-be thieves: "Next time you wanna act tough, maybe try not doing it in front of Camera 01. Capisce?"
The police continue their investigation, examining whether the incident is linked to other recent break-ins in the area. The fact that the license plate on the gray Kia sedan did not match raises suspicions that either the car or the plate was stolen, further complicating the situation.
As the search for the suspects continues, the community rallies around Sopranos Pizzeria, demonstrating the strength of local support in times of trouble. With Serna's humorous approach and the community's engagement, it seems the pizzeria is not just fighting to recover from this incident but also building a stronger bond with its patrons.
In a time when many small businesses are struggling, the attempted break-in at Sopranos Pizzeria serves as a reminder of the resilience of community spirit. The combination of humor, local support, and the promise of free pizza has transformed a frustrating experience into an opportunity for connection.
