Denise Rockenstein — Staff writer
CLEARLAKE — It was an unusual burglary. It may have been enough for Toni and Steven Vecellio of Toni”s Baking Emporium in Clearlake to get out of the kitchen for good.
Toni Vecellio returned to her shop Tuesday morning around 5 a.m. to discover the bakery had been burglarized. Strange as it was, the culprit or culprit”s, did not steal cash, computer or anything else of obvious value. Upon taking inventory, the Vecellios said they discovered the missing stock comprised the complete makings of a wedding cake. “They took square pans, frostings, decorating tips, flour ? everything you need to make a wedding cake,” said Steven Vecellio. “They also took some cookie dough and cookie sheets.”
Steven Vecillio said he”s more disgusted than anything. “It seems so distasteful that they stole what we use to make our living.” Toni”s Baking Emporium has been operating out of a location on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake for the past five years. Mr. Vecillio said he and his wife have never experienced any trouble in the past; however, this incident may have been enough for them to close the shop for good. “I can”t have my wife down here by herself if she doesn”t feel safe. We”ve been here five years and she felt safe here until now. Now we are contemplating closing the shop,” said Steven Vecellio. “Whoever the ne”er-do-wells are, you are ruining it for the good people.”
The burglary was reported to the Clearlake Police Department; however, the incident report was not available at press time. Anyone with information regarding the burglary of Toni”s Baking Emporium should contact the department, reference at 994-8251.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
