A hardware store in Redondo Beach is facing a costly setback after owners say the business was hit by two back-to-back burglaries this week. The owners of South Bay Hardware on Artesia Boulevard say the thieves stole an estimated $20,000 worth of merchandise in the break-ins on Thursday and Friday night.
Surveillance Video Released
Among the stolen items include inventory bought for a special sale slated for this weekend, which takes place every year on the weekend before Father’s Day, according to the owners. They say they were fully stocked up for it, and now most of it is gone. The owners shared surveillance video of both break-ins, hoping someone recognizes the people seen in it.
In the video from overnight Thursday, a red car can be seen pulling into South Bay Hardware’s parking lot. Seconds later, two people get out and walk toward the shop. Surveillance video captures them shattering a glass panel on the store’s front door before entering the business and taking merchandise.
According to the owners, the door was boarded up after the break-in, but that did not stop the burglars from returning. The next night, surveillance video shows a black car pull into the parking lot. Two people get out and once again break a glass panel on the door before going inside. Video shows them loading items into their car and driving away.
“We’re a small business, and we worked hard to have this store here,” said Dan, the owner of South Bay Hardware. “We opened in 2021, and we felt welcomed by the community, and we really want to be a part of it, so that’s why we have events like this. And it is heartbreaking. We worked very hard.”
Police were called out both nights, but by the time they made it to the shop, the burglars were gone. The Redondo Beach Police Department said detectives are reviewing the surveillance video and investigating the case. It’s unclear if the the suspects in both incidents are the same.
No one was in custody as of Saturday evening, police said. Anyone with information has been asked to call the police department.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
