Los Alamos Police Ofc. David Randleman speaks Saturday morning with someone inside the shattered doorway of Viola’s Restaurant on Trinity Drive, one of several small businesses targeted by burglars overnight Thursday. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Police Ofc. David Randleman chats with Peter Nguyen, far left, owner of Top Nails & Spa in the Mari Mac Village Shopping Center Saturday morning. Nguyen and his wife Nina have owned and operated the salon for 25 years. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Large windows at the Subway on Central Avenue were broken out by burglars using a stolen to break into the building. Pieces of glass dragged from the area could be seen in the middle of Central Avenue Saturday morning. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Signs on the windows of Daniel’s Cafe in the Mari Mac Village Shopping Center indicate that the business is closed until further notice. Plywood has been placed on the door where the glass was broken out by burglars overnight Thursday. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
Petree Garden Center was also targeted by burglars overnight Friday. An order ahead event planned for today has been canceled. Courtesy photo
The doorway at China Palace Restaurant in the Mari Mac Village Shopping Center which was apparently rammed by a stolen van used by burglars overnight Friday in Los Alamos. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Police Department is offereing a $250 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsibile for the burglaries overnight Friday of several Los Alamos businesses.
LAPD Cmdr. Oliver Morris told the Los Alamos Reporter the Department was notified at 1:35 a.m. when an alarm at one of the businesses went off and officers were on site within five minutes.
Chief Dino Sgambellone said a van stolen from Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Diamond Drive was used in the break-ins and abandoned near the Y at the bottom of the Main Hill Road.
- Top Nails Salon & Spa|
- Daniel’s Cafe
- China Palace
- Viola’s Restaurant
- Subway
- Petree Garden Center
Morris said two LAPD detectives responded to process the van and the burglarized properties. Officers immediately canvassed the downtown area looking for evidence that other businesses had been hit. On Saturday morning, officers were observed communicating with onsite with business owners.
“We have had a lot of internal dialogue about how the COVID-19 situation might transfer into criminal behavior,” Sgambellone said. “We will utilize our resources to deter this type of activity.”
Cmdr. Oliver Morris said LAPD had stepped up patrols in recent weeks and has been watching businesses.
“LAPD is committed to our small businesses and won’t let Los Alamos businesses become targets for crime. We are making these burglary cases our top priorities,” he said.
Morris recommended that business owners remove valuable merchandise and cash registers where possible when their businesses are closed. He said LAPD has been working with local businesses and encourages them to install camera and/or alarm systems.
“Please reach out to us if you have concerns and would like us to conduct a walkthrough of your business to offer tips or advice,” Morris said.
Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce director Ryn Herrmann responded quickly Saturday morning, contacting chamber members advising them to check their storefronts for damage and contact LAPD if necessary.
“This could not have come at a worse time for these small businesses. We neede to come together now and help each other,” she said.
Anyone with any information on these crimes is asked to call LAPD Dispatch, (505) 662-8222, or Crime Stoppers, (505) 662-8282. Callers can remain anonymous.