Santa Clarita, CA – A wave of smash-and-grab burglaries targeting small businesses in Santa Clarita earlier this week has left owners struggling to recover and fearing for their future. The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of February 17, 2025, targeted multiple establishments across the city, leaving a trail of damage and stolen goods.
Surveillance footage from several businesses captured the brazen acts, showing hooded suspects smashing through storefronts, often using tools or even their own bodies. The thieves then quickly ransacked the interiors, grabbing cash registers, electronics, and anything else of value within reach.
Pizza Di Marco was one of the hardest-hit businesses. Owner Hemdrika Manrique, who has been burglarized before, described the frustration of dealing with yet another break-in. "They broke the door, they broke one register, and they stole another," Manrique lamented. Despite the setback, she managed to replace the stolen register to avoid further loss of business, but the financial burden of repairs and replacements continues to mount. Manrique expressed her belief that the suspects were juveniles, but regardless of their age, the impact on her business is significant.
The crime spree extended beyond Pizza Di Marco, impacting other businesses in the same strip mall, including a Baskin-Robbins and I Love Sushi. While the suspects caused damage at I Love Sushi in their attempt to break in, they were ultimately unsuccessful in stealing anything.
Several miles away, at Venice Pizzaria on Sierra Highway, owner Christopher Ethakpemhi faced a similar ordeal. His restaurant was ransacked, with equipment, a cash register, and an ATM stolen. Ethakpemhi, who has been targeted twice in recent months, expressed the emotional toll of the repeated break-ins. Beyond the financial losses, the burglaries also impact his ability to use his restaurant's kitchen to support a local church's food bank, which serves over 150 people every Saturday. "We are trying to stay afloat," Ethakpemhi explained, highlighting the difficult position these crimes have placed him in.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is investigating the burglaries and reviewing the surveillance footage. While no arrests have been made yet, law enforcement officials are urging any witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents to come forward. They are also increasing patrols in the affected areas and working with local businesses to enhance security measures. The recent surge in smash-and-grab burglaries has prompted concerns among the Santa Clarita business community. Many owners fear that if these crimes continue, they may be forced to close their doors. Local business organizations are planning meetings to discuss strategies for preventing future incidents and providing support to affected businesses. The incidents have also sparked a wider conversation about the rise in property crime in the region and the need for community-based solutions to address the issue.
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