‘We cannot take it anymore’: Local food truck feels targeted by repeated theft and vandalism

Local food truck Greek n’ Go says they feel like they are being targeted after numerous incidents of theft and vandalism over the past few months. 

Owner and Founder of Greek n’ Go, Elini Sypsa-Kaya says the damages and loss have cost the business over $31,000. 

Some of these incidents include all of her personal work items and equipment being stolen and destroyed, a locked generator being vandalized, the door handles on one of their trucks being broken, the tablets used for delivery apps being stolen, the main electrical cord that powers a truck being cut through and a large rock being thrown at their truck.

These incidents occurred in Victoria, where their food truck is set up on Cook Street, as well as in Saanichton on Keating Cross Road. 

Sypsa-Kaya told Victoria Buzz that at first, she thought the vandalism and theft may have been due Victoria’s unhoused population, but because of the frequency of the incidents and the fact that other trucks were also hit, she now believes there is more to it. 

“Everything started first, we thought that someone was targeting downtown, because of Pandora [Avenue], with the homeless, you know the area,” she said. 

“But then we saw more things happening in all our trucks, with one of them on Keating Cross Road, which is far, you know and the other one at the store. So we came to the conclusion with everything that someone is targeting us—this is not normal.”

Though the company has insurance that will help with vandalism and theft claims, Sypsa-Kaya says that every claim they submit, they have to pay $1,000 out of pocket, some stolen goods and wasted food are not covered and only 80% of their claim can be covered. 

Through these incidents of vandalism and theft, Sypsa-Kaya says she has reported everything to police and included photo and video evidence, but it seems that nothing can be done. 

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VicPD told Victoria Buzz that they have two case files open regarding the vandalism and theft that took place, but do not concur that the attacks have been targeted. 

“Based on the timing and nature of the reports, there’s no indication that the food truck was specifically targeted,” said Gemma Stroobant, Communications Coordinator for VicPD. 

Victoria Buzz reached out to Central Saanich Police regarding the incidents with their Keating Cross Road truck, but have yet to receive a response. 

Sypsa-Kaya says that she has held off until recently posting about Greek n’ Go’s recent string of incidents because she was worried about being further targeted and victimized. 

“We never posted anything about nothing because we were scared, but I think it’s time people hear what’s going on,” she explained. 

“We have a voice and we need to use it, because we cannot take it anymore.”

She says that if people want to support them through this difficult time, the best way is to come down to one of their food trucks and purchase some food. 

Additionally, Greek n’ Go has launched a GoFundMe as a fundraiser to recoup some of the costs this ordeal has burdened them with. 

As a family-run business, Sypsa-Kaya says it would mean so much to her, her family and her employees if people could donate, if they are able to. 

“I just want people to hear about what’s going on with us, and understand and empathize, because we are really tired, emotionally and financially,” Sypsa-Kaya explained.

To donate to Greek n’ Go’s GoFundMe, click here. 

Those who can support them by eating their food can find their trucks open daily at 1580 Cook Street in Victoria and at 2046 Keating Cross Road in Saanichton.