Smash-And-Grab Robberies Have Walnut Creek Merchants On Edge: Report

WALNUT CREEK, CA — A smash-and-grab operation has targeted at least five local businesses in Walnut Creek, leaving owners on edge and storefronts damaged.

Owners said the operation began Nov. 5. But they are still on edge, looking for assurance that the attacks won't continue and trying to avoid being the next target.

Police said at least five businesses along Bonanza and Locust streets — including restaurants and salons — were struck around 4 a.m. last week, according to KTVU.

Tim Ketron, who owns Athletic Outpost on Bonanza Street, told CBS Bay Area News that his store was one of the lucky ones. "Deadbolts kept them from coming in," he said.

Ketron said the break-ins focused on his block of Bonanza Street. One of the hardest-hit locations was Flamingo Hair and Nail Salon, which is his immediate neighbor. The salon was closed for the holiday but shared surveillance video showing the break-in, according to CBS.

Other businesses confirmed that they were targeted, including Mr. Lucky's Bar & Grill, Crepes Ooh La La, and Cocina Mexicana.

Ketron said video from one of the burglarized businesses shows five men in two vehicles committing the burglaries.

Bryan Schnaidt, manager of Lita's Restaurant on Main and Bonanza, said although his business wasn't hit, the concern and damage have him and other business owners on edge.

"Are we next? I mean, what is the next business they hit," Schnaidt told CBS. "They started down Bonanza Street and finished off Locust, and they just handpicked businesses."

He told reporters that he talked with some of the owners impacted and said, in many cases, not much was stolen. "Some, they didn't get anything, just damaged their property," he said. "Others had essentially quarters stolen, others had liquor stolen."

Ketron heard similar stories and said what stands out most is the cost to fix it all, according to reports.

"There's thousands and thousands of dollars' worth of damage," Ketron said. "I mean, this window is $3,000 to replace. That's what they're going to have to pay next door."

Walnut Creek police have not responded to media inquiries. Store owners told reporters that they haven't heard much since the break-ins happened last Wednesday.