5 pharmacy smash-and-grabs in Newport Beach and Garden Grove may be connected

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Surveillance video shows two masked thieves as they targeted an Orange County pharmacy and police said they may be connected to four other pharmacy burglaries nearby.

Newport Beach police said the suspects targeted Hill Pharmacy at 1441 Avocado Ave. at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

Video captured the suspects randomly slamming keys on the cash register until it opened. Police said the suspects took cash, pills and all the narcotics from the pharmacy.

Less than 30 minutes later and less than half a mile away, police said the Rite-Aid at 1610 San Miguel Dr. was burglarized as an ATM was pried open.

Shortly afterwards, about 2 and a half miles away, the Rite-Aid at 3141 East Coast Highway was burglarized.

"They are very quick when they get into these pharmacies. They come in with a plan," Newport Beach Police spokesperson Jennifer Manzella said.

Police said they're investigating whether the same suspects were linked to all three crimes on Wednesday.

"It is possible they were able to go from location to location," Manzella explained.

Newport Beach detectives also talked with Garden Grove police to see if the same suspects may be connected to two pharmacy burglaries that happened there early Tuesday morning.

The suspects covered their faces, wore gloves and smashed the front door glass of the pharmacies to get inside, according to police.

Investigators said they have not been able to identify a vehicle description in the Newport Beach cases, but Garden Grove police said in one of their burglaries, a maroon-colored convertible with a black top may be involved.

If you have any information about the crimes, you are urged to call Newport Beach Police 1-800-550-6273. Callers can remain anonymous.