A thief walked out of a San Diego strip club with more than $25,000 in one-dollar bills after breaking into the business1 Bills From San Diego Strip Club
A thief walked early Monday morning, according to local reports.
The theft happened at Expose, a gentleman’s club located on Kearny Villa Road in Kearny Mesa. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man entering the property around 5 a.m., jumping a fence onto the club’s patio, and making his way inside.
The suspect allegedly stole $25,300 — all in $1 bills — before leaving the business.
The unusual detail immediately drew attention online because the stolen money was not taken in large bills, jewelry, or electronics. Instead, the suspect made off with stacks of singles, the type of cash commonly kept inside strip clubs so customers can exchange larger bills for tips.
Expose owner Dino Palmitto told local media he believes the theft may have been an inside job. He said the suspect appeared to know exactly where to go once inside the club. Palmitto also said he believed the man may have been on the phone with someone during the break-in.
That claim has not been confirmed by police, and no suspect has been publicly identified in the latest reports.
The theft has raised questions about how the suspect knew where the money was kept and how he was able to get in and out with so much cash. Investigators are expected to review surveillance video, access points, possible employee knowledge, and any evidence that could show whether the burglar acted alone or had help.
The club remained open after the theft, but the incident has become a viral local crime story because of the strange nature of the stolen cash. More than $25,000 in one-dollar bills is physically bulky, meaning the suspect likely needed a bag or container to carry it away.
Cash-heavy businesses face unique security risks. Bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and adult entertainment venues often keep large amounts of small bills on hand for change, tips, and nightly operations. That can make them attractive targets for thieves who believe money may be stored inside after closing.
The Kearny Mesa theft also highlights a broader security issue for businesses that operate late at night. Break-ins often happen during early morning hours when staff have left, nearby streets are quiet, and surveillance cameras may be the main source of evidence.
Business owners are often advised to review alarm systems, safe access, employee codes, cash-handling procedures, and surveillance coverage after incidents like this. If a theft appears to involve knowledge of where money is kept, investigators may also look at whether former employees, current employees, contractors, or people familiar with the business had access to sensitive information.
At this stage, however, the inside-job theory remains only the club owner’s belief. Police will need evidence before determining whether anyone connected to the business was involved.
The theft has also sparked jokes online because of the image of someone escaping with thousands of single-dollar bills. But for the business, the loss is serious. A $25,300 cash theft can affect payroll, operations, insurance claims, and security planning.
If the suspect is caught, potential charges could include burglary, grand theft, and related offenses depending on the evidence and prosecutors’ review.
For now, the case remains under investigation as authorities and the club review the surveillance footage and search for the person responsible.
The unusual San Diego theft may sound like a bizarre headline, but it is also a reminder that cash-based businesses remain vulnerable when criminals know where money is stored and how to access it.
