PHOENIX – The search is on for burglars who hit three eyeglass shops in central Phoenix last week.
Timeline:
On Oct. 19, a burglary was reported at Central Eyeworks around 3:30 a.m. A second burglary took place at Van Buren Optical on Oct. 21.
The third burglary, which took place at Village Eye Works, occurred at 2:50 a.m. on Oct. 22. All three businesses are within a 2-mile radius.
Phoenix police said they are investigating if the string of burglaries are connected.
Central Eyeworks:
Central Eyeworks owner Tommy Libert woke up to a burglary caught on his security cameras last Sunday around 3:30 a.m.
“Grabbed a boulder and just threw it through my window,” Libert said.
Libert said the suspect, who rode up on a bike, climbed through the shattered window and began shoving eyeglasses off the store’s shelves and into what looked like a pillowcase.
“He hit everything, everything he could reach at,” Libert said.
Libert estimates the stolen inventory alone is worth $13,000 to $15,000.
Village Eye Works:
On Wednesday around 3 a.m., the same thing happened at The Village Eye Works, about six minutes down the road. Video showed a suspect throwing a rock, climbing in, and grabbing at eyeglasses.
“He had a pillowcase and was just filling it full as quickly as he could,” said Bob Royden.
Between the merchandise he took and the damage he did to the store, they estimate this cost them about $80,000.
Village Eye Works is a family-run business that has been here since the 1980s. The owners said he seemed to know which brands he wanted to target, which made them wonder if he had been in the shop before.
Fortunately, they have insurance, and they are just glad no one was there when it happened. But they said it is a gross feeling knowing someone did this.
What they’re saying:
Owners of both stores said the suspects in each case took a lot of sunglasses.
“It almost feels as though he had been in, cased the place first and knew exactly where he wanted to go,” one of the Roydens said.
“I’m pretty sure he’s been in our store,” Libert said.
While they’re just glad no staff were hurt, it’s still discouraging that thieves have their eyes on small businesses.
“Very violated. I mean, it’s just horrific. You come in and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, who did? Why? Who do they think they are that they think they can come in and take things that we own?'” one of the Roydens said.
“It just sucks that, you know, this happens and we’re just, we’re small businesses. We’re just trying to get by,” Libert said.
Van Buren Optical:
Phoenix Police said a third eyeglass shop, Van Buren Optical, was burglarized on Tuesday, less than two miles from the other shops.
Big picture view:
So far, there is no evidence yet that the crimes are connected and no arrests have been made.
What you can do:
If you recognize the suspect in the security video, you are encouraged to call Phoenix police.
The Source: This information was provided by Phoenix police and the owners of the eyeglass shop targeted in the burglary.
Crime and Public SafetyPhoenixNews