High-speed heist: Burglary crew in Corvette, Camaros strike high-end shoe store in Encino
LOS ANGELES - A burglary crew struck again in Encino overnight, targeting the high-end shoe store Equvalence along Ventura Boulevard. Investigators said the same store was hit just eight months ago.
Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department spotted masked men leaving the Equvalence sports collectible store. As the suspects ran, they dropped money all over the street. Surveillance cameras in the area captured the entire incident, showing three cars filled with suspects arriving and getting to work stealing valuable items.
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The suspects, at least half a dozen, were all wearing masks, gloves, and hoodies. They spent time rearranging their cars, two Camaros and a Corvette, eventually backing one right into a parking space in front of the store. They then smashed their way through a glass door, stealing armloads of designer shoes and art, including high-value collector items like Bare Bricks. One suspect appeared to serve as a lookout, pacing back and forth while on his cell phone.
A lone black-and-white patrol car arrived about eight minutes later and saw the burglary in progress. The officer radioed for backup, causing the suspects to scramble and flee. Officers attempted to stop them, but the crew of at least six jumped into three getaway vehicles. They initiated a pursuit, but eventually lost the suspects on the 101 Freeway, where they reached speeds close to 140 mph. The pursuit was called off for safety concerns.
The aftermath left a trail of cash and shattered glass. Off camera, the owners reported that tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen, including collector sport shoes and pieces of collector art.
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This incident marks the third time the store has been burglarized. Last December, a similar burglary occurred, involving a crew of criminals breaking in and stealing as much as they could carry. Police believe the latest burglary was well-planned and coordinated, not a random act, which aligns with a trend they've seen in recent years involving multiple getaway cars.
A rise in crime
The San Fernando Valley, especially Encino, have seen an increase in thefts.
In Van Nuys, the LAPD started monthly meetings about a year ago with merchants about their experiences with theft and crime. Police say surveillance videos are helping detectives target repeat offenders who know to steal less than a $1,000 so they are charged with misdemeanors under Prop. 47.
"We have had an increase in thefts, that is not a lie. They are seeing it on TV but I want them to know the department cares. We are doing what we can, we increased our patrols. We are trying to help the stores combat that and trying to make everyone safe," said LAPD Commander Laurel Friedlander.
Police remind business owners and residents to have working survillance cameras and security gates.