In a troubling incident in Southern California, a thief targeted multiple collectible stores in La Verne, San Dimas, and San Gabriel within a single night. This series of crimes has left local business owners feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Incident Overview
The first reported break-in took place at 44 Collectibles in downtown La Verne around 3 a.m. The owner, Niko Mongenel, was preparing for a grand opening celebration scheduled for New Year’s Day when the burglar caused extensive damage. The thief broke through the front door and display cases, stealing an estimated $20,000 worth of merchandise.
Details of Stolen Goods
Mongenel’s store specialized in vintage sports items and Pokémon trading cards. Among the stolen items were valuable cards, including those of legendary players like Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle. The loss was particularly devastating for Mongenel, as one of the stolen cards was a sentimental gift from his father.
Subsequent Targeting of Other Stores
Following the La Verne break-in, the thief was spotted approximately 30 minutes later near A&N Collectibles in San Dimas. Owner Aaron Tom reported seeing someone peering into the windows, likely looking for a vulnerable entry point. However, the suspect seemed to abandon that location without further action.
Just over an hour later, the same thief infiltrated a store in San Gabriel. Surveillance footage revealed the burglar shattering a window and a display case, emerging with a sack full of stolen items.
Community Response and Law Enforcement Actions
Local shop owners are deeply worried about the series of break-ins. Both Mongenel and Tom voiced their concerns, urging that the criminals must be apprehended before more shops fall victim to similar crimes. They describe the situation as disheartening, especially given the time and effort put into building their businesses.
Call for Justice
As investigations are underway to connect these crimes, Mongenel expressed his frustration: “I don’t wish this on anybody. Hopefully, we can put a stop to it.” The community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to the alarming security threat posed by the thief.
