In a shocking incident that unfolded at the dead of night, a Gardena pet shop became the target of heartless thieves who executed a meticulously planned dog heist, leaving the community in disbelief and the store owner, Andres Avalos, devastated.
The Brazen Break-In
Under the cover of darkness, four masked burglars targeted the Top Dog Pet Store, located on Rosecrans Avenue. The audacious act was captured by the store’s security cameras, revealing the criminals arriving in a large white Chevy van just after 1 a.m. The security alarms blared, and the sound of dogs barking added chaos to the unsettling scene.
Swift and Heartless Operation
The security footage paints a grim picture of the thieves executing their crime with chilling efficiency. Breaking in through the front door, the intruders wasted no time. They headed straight for where the dogs were housed, grabbing cages and dragging them out to the waiting van.
Avalos, the pet store owner, expressed the ruthlessness of the act, stating, “They came in through the front door, kicked the door open, turned the light on, grabbed the dogs, and took off.” The criminals, seemingly unfazed by the security measures in place, loaded the van with a dozen French bulldogs, including a 10-month-old show dog named “Roll X.”
The Financial Blow
The consequences of this heist extend beyond the emotional toll on the pet shop owner. Avalos revealed that the stolen dogs were valued at over $100,000. These dogs were not just pets; they played a crucial role in the breeding operations of the store, essential for its livelihood. The financial setback is substantial, with Avalos stating, “With the dogs being gone, it’ll be tougher to get by now.”
Disturbing Treatment of Innocent Lives
As the thieves hastily moved the dogs outside, the security footage exposed a particularly distressing scene. The suspects callously grabbed the small puppies and tossed them into the back of the van. Avalos, visibly upset, described the heart-wrenching act, saying, “They literally grabbed them and tossed them in the van like they were stuffed animals. It’s horrible.”
Failed Security Measures
Despite the pet store’s efforts to secure its premises, equipped with 16 security cameras and a metal gate, the criminals managed to carry out the heist with impunity. The brazen act of one suspect breaking into the cash register and fleeing with around $2,000 in cash adds another layer of audacity to the crime.
The Community Response
In the wake of this shocking event, the Gardena police are actively investigating the case. Social media has become a crucial tool for spreading awareness about the stolen dogs, with posts circulating widely. The stolen dogs, particularly the 10-month-old show dog, “Roll X,” have become known figures in the local dog community.
Avalos expressed gratitude for the outpouring support, stating, “The community is really coming together and helping a lot. We appreciate that they came together to help us out at a time like this.”
A Pet Owner’s Worry
While the financial loss is undoubtedly concerning, Avalos emphasizes that his primary concern is the well-being of the stolen dogs. “We love our animals,” he said. “It’s just frustrating knowing they are out there, and we can’t do anything about it.”
As the Gardena community rallies together to support the pet store and bring the heartless thieves to justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most well-protected establishments in the face of determined criminals.
