LAFAYETTE, Colo. — Police are on the hunt for a burglar with a penchant for pastries, now dubbed the “Cupcake Caper.” The burglar has been targeting local bakeries, and during a recent break-in, he made off with just a tray of treats.
In the early hours of Wednesday, around 4:20 a.m., security footage at the Button Rock Bakery (below) captured a figure using a mallet to shatter the glass door before vaulting over the counter to access the cash register.
“Fortunately, there's no cash in it; there’s probably 30 or 40 bucks in coins that he decided this is not worth it,” said bakery owner Jamie Lachel, who noted that they never keep cash in the register overnight.
The footage shows the burglar darting around in a frantic, cartoonish manner, ultimately spotting the night's prized possessions through the display case. He was seen running around the counter to grab a tray of carrot cake cupcakes, dashing out as if he were a waiter racing to serve customers.
“I want T-shirts made. ‘Our Cupcakes Are So Good’ and then on the back, the photo of him stealing them, ‘They’re Criminal,’” Lachel joked. “Once I realized there was nothing missing and damaged, immediately it was funny.”
However, the humor faded when Lachel discovered that this incident was part of a troubling trend. The “Cupcake Caper” has been linked to multiple burglaries, with police informing her that this was the third bakery targeted in three weeks.
“I’m hoping to draw attention to the small businesses here who are suffering. It’s awful — the insurance claims, the personal damage,” Lachel said.
Having owned the Button Rock Bakery for 11 years, Lachel understands the challenges of running a small business.
“It’s just a really hard business. The workload is big, and the margins are low,” she said.
Yet, she finds fulfillment in the community ties she has cultivated through her baking.
“We’re part of people’s lives. It starts with their wedding cake, then it’s the baby shower cake, and then the second baby shower cake. It’s really important. There’s a lot of gravitas that comes with that.”
Lachel estimates that repairs from the break-in will cost several thousand dollars.
“Ultimately, I know it’s not funny, but it’s my cope,” she said, reflecting on the situation.
Lafayette Police indicated that the suspect may be affiliated with a group responsible for six small business break-ins. In addition to the Button Rock Bakery, Lafayette police said the suspect has been linked to burglaries at Eats and Sweets and Cherry’s Cheesecake. Three other businesses — Maven Hair Studio, Luxe Nail Bar, and Gone Wild Pet Supply — have also reported break-ins tied to this group.
While police have confirmed they are pursuing active leads in the investigation, they are unable to release further details at this time.
Lachel, however, remains hopeful that the authorities will catch the bakery burglar soon.
“Oh, I would love to hear from him. First, did he like them? We know he did,” she said with a laugh.