A violent smash-and-grab burglary took place early Tuesday morning in Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood, leaving two local businesses severely damaged. Surveillance footage captured a trio of hooded burglars breaking into Pizza Mark, a kosher pizzeria, and a neighboring pharmacy around 4:30 a.m.
The thieves shattered the front door of Pizza Mark and immediately targeted the cash register. Instead of simply unlocking the drawer, one of the crooks repeatedly smashed the register to the ground. The burglars, seen running in and out of the store multiple times, also stole the pizza shop’s safe before moving next door to the pharmacy, where they caused even more damage.
The owner of Robertson’s Specialty Pharmacy, which was also targeted, declined to speak on camera but shared with KTLA that narcotics and other controlled substances were locked away in a secure location. While the thieves did not get access to these drugs, they still caused significant damage, with both business owners facing thousands of dollars in losses.
Mark Douek, the owner of Pizza Mark, expressed his frustration, noting that this was the first time his shop had experienced such an incident. He mentioned that the pharmacy next door has been targeted by thieves looking for drugs every six months, and this was simply another instance of the same type of crime. “It’s just sad that they have nothing to do but go smash, break, and prey on other people instead of going to work and making a good living,” Douek said.
While the financial loss is significant for Douek, he expressed relief that no one was injured in the break-in. “I can live with it as long as no one got hurt,” he said, adding that he hoped the thieves would be caught so they could face consequences for their actions.
The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating the burglaries, and Douek is working with his insurance company to determine what damages are covered. Anyone who recognizes the suspects seen in the surveillance footage is urged to contact the LAPD.
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