Monrovia burger shop closes after thieves target owner's home, steal $140,000 in life savings

MONROVIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Monrovia business owner is asking for help and answers after a late-March home burglary left her family without what they say was $140,000 in life savings and personal belongings.

The burglary was caught on video and involved four men who police say entered the home through a bathroom window and took gold, jewelry and family valuables spanning three generations from a safe box.

"It's like a nightmare," said Phiyapan Pimolasavakun, the owner of Burger Basket on Mayflower Avenue and Duarte Road. She told Eyewitness News the money was for her retirement.

"It's gone, and I don't know how to start it again," she said.

Pimolasavakun and her family have lived in the home off Encino Avenue for 30 years. She said the burglary unfolded quickly.

"I work hard every day. I play by the rules. Those people came and just did damage to us for just 10 minutes," she said.

Surveillance video captured the suspects entering the home. No arrests have been made.

The family's son, Jesse Narkmanee, said the emotional toll has been overwhelming.

"Seeing my mom cry like that is something I don't wish on anybody, even my worse enemy," Narkmanee said.

In the aftermath, the owners have temporarily closed Burger Basket to deal with the situation. Despite the hardship, Narkmanee said neighbors and customers have rallied around the family.

"After this happened, all the neighbors came together and were shocked that this happened," he said.

Joshua Davis, a friend and longtime customer, said the restaurant has been a staple in his life. "It's literally my favorite burger. It has been for 25 years," he said.

Davis said the stress on the family is evident.

"I can only imagine the stress that they're going to go through after having to deal with this," he said.

Community members, customers and strangers have begun raising money through a GoFundMe to help the family rebuild.