Shutterbugs Camera Stores in Santa Rosa, California, was the victim of a smash-and-grab robbery recently. The store’s owner and president, Mike Paschke, fears that at least $100,000 of camera equipment was stolen in the raid.
What happened?
The thieves struck just before 6 a.m. on Friday March 21st according to calls made to the Santa Rosa Police. Security camera video from Shutterbugs Camera Stores shows a black Lexus sedan reversing through the front of the store. The car shattered the store’s windows and door. The impact also bent the window frame. Multiple people then got out of the store to steal camera equipment before escaping in another vehicle.
Paschke says he counted around eight thieves inside the store from the security camera video.
Police response
Sergeant Patricia Seffens from Santa Rosa Police confirmed that the department received calls alerting them to the robbery shortly before 6 a.m.
However, the thieves had escaped the scene before police officers arrived at the store. The Lexus used to break into the shop, which was left outside the premises, had been reported stolen to the California Highway Patrol. At the time of writing, Seffens said that the burglary was still under investigation.
On vacation
Paschke was on vacation with his family in Truckee when he was notified about the raid on Shutterbugs Camera Stores. However, as soon as he got the call from the police, Paschke returned home. After checking the remaining inventory at the store, Paschke said that around $100,000 worth of camera equipment had been stolen.
In addition, Paschke confirmed that he had recently installed boulders in front of the premises after smash-and-grab raids at other camera shops in California. Unfortunately, the thieves were able to drive over the boulders.
Other smash-and-grab raids
Sadly, the robbery from Shutterbugs Camera Stores was the latest in a series of smash-and-grab raids. On March 13, Action Camera in Rocklin was also the subject of a similar burglary. Also, Looking Glass Photo in Berkeley and San Jose Camera and Video have also been the victims of smash-and-grab criminals.
What we think
Our thoughts are with all of the camera stores affected by this wave of smash-and-grab robberies. Unfortunately, camera equipment is often expensive and all too easy for criminals to sell on. The independent camera stores that are being targeted often work on slim profit margins, which makes the impact on the business even worse.
Thankfully, Shutterbugs Camera Stores is back up and trading, at least online. Hopefully, all the affected businesses can recover from the burglaries, and the police will make progress in apprehending the offenders.
