In recent weeks, several restaurants and cafés in Montreal’s vibrant Plateau neighborhood have fallen victim to thefts and break-ins.
On bustling Duluth Avenue, at least three establishments, including Coco Disco Club, Au Pieds de Cochon, and Capitaine Sandwich, have been targeted by burglars. Samir Benzeguir, the owner of Capitaine Sandwich, expressed his concerns about the escalating situation, stating that this year has seen an unprecedented level of criminal activity compared to his nearly 10 years in the area.
François Melançon, co-owner of La Taverne Popina and Buvette Beaubien, highlighted the need for increased police presence to combat the rise in break-ins and graffiti in the neighborhood.
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) confirmed that four restaurants on Duluth have been impacted by thefts and break-ins since the start of 2026, with charges filed in three cases, while investigations are ongoing.
The spate of break-ins extends beyond Duluth, with Oh My Deer Café and Patisserie on Pine also falling victim to these criminal activities. Restaurant owners like Claudia Gamboa voiced their frustrations, citing the financial losses and emotional toll these incidents take on small businesses.
Melançon emphasized that such incidents are becoming more frequent not only on Duluth but across the Plateau neighborhood, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and police intervention.
While the Canadian Federation of Independent Business could not confirm a specific increase in break-ins in Plateau restaurants, they noted a general rise in crime reported by small business owners in Quebec over the past year.
As the community grapples with these challenges, business owners like Gamboa are advocating for a dedicated police team to address break-ins and the installation of more surveillance cameras to enhance neighborhood security.
Keyphrase: Montreal restaurant thefts
