Robbers Strike Home Of D.Z. Akins' Owner

$100,000 in cash and jewelry taken from restauranteur.

By GENE CUBBISON

Updated 12:25 PM PST, Wed, Oct 15, 2008

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The owner of one of San Diego's most popular restaurants estimates he lost $100,000 in cash and jewelry in a reported home invasion robbery in Del Mar Tuesday morning.

Steve Akin, who owns D.Z. Akins in the College area, said his son described being bound by three masked gunmen who left the housekeeper with head injuries. Akins said it appears the robbers broke into his safe with a crowbar after putting a gun to the head of his son, Elan.

Investigators and deputies combed the entire property the Akin home on David Way, where the incident was reported shortly after 11 a.m.
Steve Akin was at his restaurant at the time -- Elan at home awaiting a furniture delivery when, according to Elan, the three gunmen came in the front door, which was open behind the screen door, and grabbed the housekeeper, Martha, as she was vacuuming upstairs. Elan said she was repeatedly hitting her in the head with a large screwdriver.

Elan told his father the men ripped out phones and bound their wrists and ankles with tape, demanding the location of his father's safe. Steve Akin says he must have been targeted.

"All they were looking for was money or jewelry. That's it. It seemed like they might have had a clue or something. I don't think it was just walking in. Somebody knew something," said Steve Akin.

He said his son managed to break free of the tape and call him to report the incident. The housekeeper was taken to an emergency room for treatment of head wounds.

Sheriff's detectives did not respond to requests for comment.