San Jose Tea Shop Struggles to Stay Open Amidst Repeated Crimes

The downtown San Jose tea shop, Tea Villa, is facing a crisis as repeated crimes have left the owner struggling to keep the business afloat. Ian Ha, the owner, has been the victim of more than 20 break-ins since the start of the pandemic, with seven occurring in the past year alone.

The burglars have targeted the shop’s windows, technology, and even customer amenities like PlayStation consoles. Ha has had to replace costly items such as security cameras, tablets, and gaming consoles multiple times, but it’s the broken windows that have become his biggest expense.

With the choice between paying his employees or shelling out thousands of dollars to replace the windows, Ha has opted to board them up with plywood. The situation has become dire, with Ha expressing concerns not only for his business but also for the safety of his employees.

Manuel Perez, a security guard for the building, has witnessed the increase in crime firsthand and noted that the incidents often end with a report being filed and no further action taken. Despite one arrest made by the San Jose police, the break-ins persist, leaving Ha uncertain about the future of Tea Villa.

During the pandemic, Tea Villa had been a beacon of hope in the community, offering free food, clothes, and blankets to those in need. Now, Ha is turning to the community for support in hopes of keeping his business alive. The repeated crimes have taken a toll on Tea Villa, but Ha remains determined to overcome the challenges and continue serving the community.