News Summary
In the early hours of March 11, a kosher pizza shop and a local pharmacy in Pico-Robertson, Los Angeles, were victims of a smash-and-grab burglary by three hooded thieves. The owner of Pizza Mark, Mark Douek, faced substantial damage and losses estimated between $15,000 and $20,000. This incident reflects a growing trend of crime in the area, raising safety concerns among local residents. Community support has rallied around the impacted businesses while authorities continue to investigate the burglaries.
Pico-Robertson, Los Angeles Experiences Smash-and-Grab Burglary Spree
In a chilling early morning incident on March 11, early hours of chaos struck a beloved kosher pizza shop and a local pharmacy in Pico-Robertson, Los Angeles. Mark Douek, the owner of Pizza Mark, faced an unfortunate nightmare when he discovered his shop had been ransacked by three hooded burglars.
A Sudden Call to Action
At around 4:30 a.m., Douek received an urgent call from Bob Eghbali, who owns the adjacent Robertson Specialty Pharmacy. The news was grim: both businesses had been broken into. Heart racing, Douek rushed to his pizza shop, only to find a smashed window, appliances damaged, and a cash register that had been destroyed with money gone missing.
Quick Heist
Security footage from the shop revealed that the trio of burglars displayed a quick and disheartening efficiency. They managed to ransack the entire store in a mere three and a half minutes. Douek had left the key in the cash register, but the thieves opted for destruction instead.
Unfortunately for Douek, his alarm system failed to activate—a detail he later regretted as he had forgotten to turn it on before leaving for the night. Staring at the ransacked store, Douek estimated his losses between $15,000 and $20,000, financially crippling for any small business owner.
A Neighboring Business Faces Similar Woes
Eghbali, the pharmacy owner, also faced losses that he estimated to be about $15,000. He noted the pharmacy has sadly become a target for thieves roughly every six months, which raises concerns about safety in the area.
Growing Corporate Crime Concerns
Burglary incidents have seen a disturbing rise in Pico-Robertson, especially noticeable over the past five years. This increase in crime has coincided with the onset of COVID-19, leading some to believe that the pandemic may have contributed to a surge in criminal activities. Many locals have expressed dismay at the shift in the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Some speculate that the burglars sought narcotics from the pharmacy, given its history of break-ins and the valuable medications contained within.
Community Support Rallies
In the aftermath of this distressing event, the local community has rallied around Douek and his business. Messages of support poured in through texts and social media, with neighbors expressing their solidarity and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Reflections on a Troubling Situation
Among the chaos and devastation, Douek showed a remarkable sense of empathy, wishing for the burglars to turn their lives around rather than choosing a life of crime. This attitude reflects an underlying hope for the community and a desire to address the issues leading individuals to such drastic measures.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are actively investigating the incident and are exploring the possibility that this burglary could be related to a wider series of similar crimes affecting businesses across Los Angeles. However, as of now, no arrests have been made, leaving business owners and residents alike on edge.
Looking Forward
Despite the overwhelming challenges they currently face, Douek made the brave decision to reopen Pizza Mark just a few hours after the break-in. He cited the need to support his employees and the community as his motivation to keep pushing forward, despite the financial damages and emotional strains.
The strength and resilience of Douek and the entire Pico-Robertson area may just be what it takes to overcome these recent hurdles and work towards a safer and more secure neighborhood for everyone.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Westside Today: Brazen Burglars Target Pico-Robertson Businesses
- KTLA: Smash-and-Grab Crew Wreck Kosher Pizza Shop and Pharmacy
- ABC7: Pico-Robertson 7-Eleven Ransacked
- Google Search: Pico-Robertson crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Trends in Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
