Man charged with 30+ burglaries across Tulsa and Catoosa; Diner manager impacted speaks out

A Tulsa man is being charged with more than 30 counts of burglary, accused of breaking into dozens of businesses in Tulsa and Rogers County in the past month.

Investigators say Robert Dennis broke into more than two dozen businesses, sometimes taking cash registers and causing damage along the way.

A DINER’S FRUSTRATION

Security video shows a man trying to get inside the Port City Diner near Catoosa last month, a place where break-ins aren’t common.

"She's had it for 20 years, and in that whole 20 years, this has never happened,” said Tammy Slater, the Manager of Port City Diner.

The whole experience has been frustrating, because the diner not only lost money but they also have to pay for the damages.

"It's just very discouraging and very aggravating to see people that's so disrespectful to others' property and everything,” said Slater.

Cameras show he hit the diner four times in one week.

"We were able to hand the videos, the same videos I sent to you, I sent to TPD on several occasions because they came and he ended up trying again to break in, and we were able to send them more videos,” said Slater.

She says they are all on high alert.

"Make sure everybody's always aware of their surroundings, because you never know,” said Slater. “Things can change on the dime."

Slater is also thankful for the quick work of officers and members of the community who have helped their business during this time.

THE DETAILS

The businesses burglarized include coffee shops, dry cleaners, a dentist’s office, and a tire shop.

Court records show Dennis was released from prison a year ago after serving 17 months of his six year sentence for 18 counts of burglary.

In addition to the three burglary charges in Rogers and 30 burglary charges in Tulsa County, Dennis is charged with drug crimes in Rogers County.

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