Vern’s Bayside Restaurant was broken into early in the morning of Aug. 27. San Juan Sheriff Bill Cumming reported that an open investigation is continuing into the break-in.

Persons unknown gained entrance to the restaurant and the area where the safe is kept. A large amount of cash is missing, which involves the state lotto system, Cumming said.

Vern’s owner, Belinda Landon said that her daughter, who is an employee, discovered the break-in when she came to work early Wednesday morning. “It’s bad enough we got robbed, but other businesses on the island need to know that they may think their safes are safe, but something like this doesn’t make you feel as safe as you once thought you were.”

Cumming said that his department encourages islanders to think of security by not leaving money in their businesses, securing their premises and installing alarm systems. Breaking news: On Aug. 29, an attempt was made to break into the Lower Tavern . For more information, go to www.islandssounder.com.